Leading global hospitality company Hilton has unveiled six landmark signings in the Asia Pacific (APAC) across its luxury portfolio of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts, signalling growing optimism in luxury travel throughout the region.
Over the coming years, Hilton will offer travellers an exquisite portfolio of more than 50 luxury hotels across the Asia Pacific. With the multi‑market debut of award‑winning Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and LXR brands, Hilton's pipeline of luxury hotels in the region will increase to 20. Signings include 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.
As a result of a growing middle class, increased consumer spending and an underserved lodging market, the Asia Pacific region present a US$10 trillion consumption growth opportunity over the next decade.
"Hilton is Asia Pacific's fastest growing hospitality company, and that signals the confidence that owners and developers have in our ability to capture growing demand and deliver strong returns in APAC's most sought-after destinations," said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton. "We share the optimism that owners and developers have about the future of luxury travel and appreciate the importance they place on partners and brands that will optimise their yield. As we continue to pursue quality organic growth and enhance our network effect, we also focus on prioritising the right partnerships to deploy the right brands in the right locations."
Post-pandemic recovery has spurred rising owner and developer interest in hospitality real estate, as the APAC hotel investment volume in 2021 grew 46 percent year-on-year to exceed US$12 billion, and investors focused on purchasing luxury or resort assets. The luxury travel segment is also predicted to expand as 42 percent of APAC consumers who intend to travel overseas seek out luxury experiences.
Hilton's latest signings signal a further closing of key city gaps as its award-winning luxury brands debut or extend their presence in key travel destinations like Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
The Chinese market holds the greatest potential to shape the future of luxury travel, home to the world's largest consumer economy. By 2025, it is anticipated to become the largest luxury goods market. Additionally, the travel demand in the country is shifting as its new generation of young and discerning travellers seek higher levels of personalisation, wellbeing, sustainability and quality in their luxury travel experience.
With the signings of Waldorf Astoria in Xi'an and Shanghai Qiantan, the brand is set to double its portfolio in China, offering its unrivalled luxury in eight world-class hotels. Once open, Waldorf Astoria Xi'an will be one of the tallest structures in this ancient capital of the 13 Dynasties. Led by Yabu Pushelberg, a famed design firm, the hotel will be where heritage meets modernity, blending rich millennia-old culture and oriental elegance and contemporary design. On the other hand, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan will mark the city's second Waldorf Astoria hotel. Located in Shanghai's new CBD – the New Bund area – the property will offer sweeping views of the Huangpu River and invite guests to indulge in the peace and glamour of China's commercial capital.
Today, more than a dozen Conrad hotels are operating in China. When the other nine pipeline hotels open – including Conrad Shenzhen and Conrad Chongqing in 2023 – guests will enjoy the discreet yet sophisticated luxury that the brand is known for in over 20 destinations.
