With multi-market debut of award-winning Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and LXR brands, Hilton will offer more than 50 luxury hotels in Asia Pacific over the coming years.
Singapore – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced six landmark signings in Asia Pacific (APAC) across its portfolio of luxury brands – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts – in the year to date, a mark of growing optimism in luxury travel across the region.
With the signing of Waldorf Astoria Xi’an, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, Waldorf Astoria Sydney, Conrad Nagoya and an LXR Hotels & Resorts property in Bali, Hilton’s pipeline of luxury hotels in the region increases to 20. When these hotels open in the coming years, travellers will enjoy an exquisite portfolio of more than 50 luxury hotels across Asia Pacific.
With a growing middle class, increased consumer spending and an underserved lodging market, Asia Pacific presents a US$10 trillion consumption growth opportunity over the next decade.
Clarence Tan, senior vice president, Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton said, “Hilton is Asia Pacific’s fastest growing hospitality company. Our recent signings and robust pipeline reflect the confidence that owners, developers and investors have in Hilton to capture growing demand and deliver strong returns in APAC’s most sought-after destinations. As we continue to pursue quality organic growth and enhance our network effect, we purposefully prioritize the right partnerships to deploy the right brands in the right locations. The future of luxury travel presents immense opportunities for growth. While owners and developers are increasingly optimistic about the luxury travel sector, they remain highly selective when it comes to partners and brands that will optimize their yield and look to Hilton with confidence to expand their business.”
Post-pandemic recovery has prompted increasing owner and developer interest in hospitality real estate, as the APAC hotel investment volume in 2021 grew 46% year-on-year to exceed US$12 billion, and investors focused on acquiring luxury or resort assets. The luxury travel segment is also expected to burgeon as 42% of APAC consumers who intend to take an international trip seek out luxury experiences.
Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president, Luxury, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, “The strength and recognition of our luxury brands are key drivers of growth for our luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific. With more destinations in Asia Pacific becoming increasingly attractive to luxury travellers today, we are seeing a growing demand for our brands which are known globally for providing unforgettable stays, delivered with unrivalled hospitality and intuitive, personalized service. The future of luxury travel in this region is brighter than ever, as our portfolio of luxury brands continue to enter exciting new markets and elevate the benchmark of luxury hospitality to new heights.”
Hilton’s latest signings mark a further closing of key city gaps as its award-winning luxury brands debut or expand in key travel destinations such as Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
China in particular holds great potential in shaping the future of luxury travel as it is home to the world’s largest consumer economy and is set to become the largest luxury goods market by 2025 . Travel demand is also shifting as the country’s new generation of young and discerning travelers seeks higher levels of personalization, wellbeing, sustainability and quality in their luxury travel experience.
The signings of Waldorf Astoria in Xi’an and Shanghai Qiantan put the brand on track to double its portfolio in China and offer its unrivalled luxury in eight world-class hotels. When open, Waldorf Astoria Xi’an will be one of the tallest buildings in this ancient capital of the 13 Dynasties. Designed by the famed design firm, Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel will draw inspiration from the city’s rich millennia-old culture and integrate oriental elegance into modern design. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan will mark the city’s second Waldorf Astoria hotel. Located in Shanghai’s brand-new CBD – the New Bund area – the hotel will boast panoramic views of the Huangpu River and immerse guests in the tranquility and glamour of China’s commercial capital.
Today, there are more than a dozen Conrad hotels operating in China. When the other nine hotels in the country’s pipeline open – including Conrad Shenzhen and Conrad Chongqing next year – guests will be able to enjoy the discreet yet sophisticated luxury that the brand is known for in more than 20 destinations.
Landmark Brand Entries into New Markets
Set to open in 2024, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur and Waldorf Astoria Jakarta – set to be the city’s tallest building – will mark the entry of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand into Malaysia and Indonesia. A year later, Japan will welcome the country’s first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Osaka (Waldorf Astoria Osaka). In 2026, Hilton will introduce this premier luxury brand to Australia and Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay with Waldorf Astoria Sydney. Waldorf Astoria will more than double in presence in Asia Pacific over the next 5 years.
Conrad Kuala Lumpur, slated to open next year, will mark the brand’s debut in Malaysia, while Nagoya, the manufacturing and craftsmanship capital of Japan, will welcome the opening of its first Conrad hotel (Conrad Nagoya) in 2026. Today, almost 60% of the global Conrad estate is in Asia Pacific. The brand commands the largest share in Hilton’s APAC luxury portfolio and will grow by almost 50% when hotels in its pipeline open.
Set to open as the first LXR-branded resort in South East Asia in 2023, the 72 all-villa resort in Bali, Indonesia will join a collection of unique, independent luxury properties around the world, which includes the recently opened and award-winning ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts in Japan.
Hilton’s recent luxury signings and upcoming openings in Asia Pacific:
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