In its 100th year, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, which has become the most valuable hospitality brand in the world, is turning its attention to India to tap the potential of the market.
The group is looking to grow at a breakneck speed in India, and the APAC region, on the back of growing travel for business and leisure. A hospitality group that pioneered several hospitality concepts, is ranked #1 on 100 Best Companies to Work In by Fortune magazine, and is considered the most valuable brand in the world, has yet to make huge inroads in India. Although they may have missed the last cycle, they are looking at ramping up their presence with an aggressive new strategy and a new team which is geared to achieve the expansion ambitions. Alan Watts, president, Hilton APAC and Navjit Ahluwalia, country head, Hilton India, tell Hotelier India what it takes to expand your footprint.
ALAN WATTS, PRESIDENT, HILTON APAC
What has Hilton’s journey been like in the APAC markets as well as in India?
It’s our 100th anniversary; we have just opened our 300th hotel in the Asia Pacific and 200th property in China. If you consider the fact that Hilton International took back Hilton Worldwide less than a decade ago, it has been a phenomenal growth story. Here in India, it’s been more of a challenging journey for us. We have been in India for a long time but through a strategic partnership. Since that did not work out, we have missed the last cycle. That's the reason why Hilton has got a relatively smaller footprint in this market. But its RevPars have doubled over the last few years and our market share has increased. We have reinvested in India; we have got a new management team, have had really successful openings and a successful growth strategy under the new leadership.
In the APAC region, Hilton has seen almost a double-digit growth last year. What has led to this growth?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Western Couples Are Choosing India For Their Big Day?
Decoding the reason, and how to cater to them...
A Match Made in India
Director General of Tourism Mugdha Sinha's grand vision for wedding tourism...
Tee Off in Style
Hoteliers are giving golfing facilities a boost even as they offer putting greens that make the sport popular.
Bespoke Getaways: What Makes Them Desirable?
Boutique hotels are increasingly becoming the first choice among discerning guests as they provide meaningful breaks.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
The balance of honouring tradition while adding a dash of modern flair is what keeps the culinary scene fresh and exciting...
DON'T THINK, OUTSIDE THE BOX
The oft-quoted maxim, \"Think out of the box!\" does little to encourage creativity or innovation and often is their enemy.
Putting the Wow into Weddings
As hotels become the preferred venue choices for weddings, the industry is certainly shaking things up.
Innovation Is Not an Option but a Necessity
Emphasizing the need for the Indian hospitality sector to innovate and disrupt itself in the current transformative period.
Why Marriott built its GCC in India?
Drew Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue & Technology Officer of Marriott International, tells Hotelier India all about finding the best talent in India...
FROM POTENTIAL TO POWERHOUSE
In an exclusive and candid interview with Hotelier India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India's Minister of Culture and Tourism, speaks about how tourism and hospitality will power India's economy by 2047.
