For more than a century, Hilton has been a safe and stable home for more than 3 billion guests worldwide. And despite the challenges of the pandemic, Hilton’s growth momentum has not faltered, remaining the fastest growing hospitality company in Asia Pacific.
Locally, this is evident in Hilton’s recent and capital signing of Waldorf Astoria Sydney – the first Waldorf Astoria in Australasia and the company’s first luxury hotel to sign in Australia.
“The introduction of the Waldorf Astoria brand to Australasia underscores our growth strategy of organically introducing our world-class brands to discerning travelers in key markets,” said Paul Hutton, Hilton Area Vice President and Head of Australasia.
The luxury hotel brand, which began in New York with a single property in 1893 that Conrad Hilton dubbed “The Greatest of All”, has seen unprecedented growth with a portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties in the most desirable neighborhoods in the world. destinations, including six distinguished properties across Asia-Pacific.
“Our luxury expansion into Australia during this critical period of travel recovery speaks volumes about investor and owner confidence in our award-winning luxury brands,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, Hilton’s Vice President, Luxury and Fashion. life, Asia-Pacific.
“This brand launch in Australia and our accelerated pace of luxury growth across Asia-Pacific is bolstered by the confidence savvy travelers have in the strength and consistency of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to deliver experiences that are truly timeless and unforgettable through each stay.”
Luxurious living, avant-garde design
Owned by AW One Circular Quay, part of the AW Holding group, Waldorf Astoria Sydney is in a coveted location, part of the One Circular Quay development – one of Australia’s most significant port sites, offering a stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Working with world-renowned architects KKAA and Crone, Waldorf Astoria Sydney will artfully blend a contemporary, luxurious lifestyle with cutting-edge design.
Construction has begun on the 28-story, 220-key luxury hotel, which is set to open in early 2025. At the heart of any Waldorf Astoria experience is its heritage of culinary expertise and Waldorf Astoria Sydney will be no exception. . The hotel will celebrate Sydney’s gastronomic excellence with two distinctive restaurants, as well as a rooftop bar, which will offer stunning views of the beautiful Sydney Harbour.
“I look forward to welcoming Waldorf Astoria Sydney as an inspiring landmark that will elevate luxury hospitality in one of the world’s most iconic destinations,” added Schroeder.
Ambitious growth plans for Australasia
Hilton’s landmark signing doesn’t stop at the Waldorf Astoria Sydney. The Australasia development team plans to expand into the luxury, lifestyle and targeted services segments in Australia and New Zealand, with another luxury hotel to be added to the pipeline very soon.
Hutton, who began his leadership role in Australasia in February, has spent the past four years as Hilton’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia, where he oversaw significant portfolio growth, including the launch of the first Waldorf Astoria with Waldorf Astoria Bangkok., followed by Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand in Malaysia.
It has the same ambitious growth plans for the Australasia region.
“At Hilton, we believe the desire to travel, experience new cultures and connect with others is at the heart of the human experience, and now that travel has resumed, guests are turning to brands that they have the confidence to be able to travel with peace of mind,” says Huton.
“As such, we are always looking to add the right brand, in the right place, at the right time.”
Hilton recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka, just 20 km south of Auckland CBD in the beautiful rural town of Karaka. With 13 hotels currently in the pipeline, 2023 will see the opening of Hilton Port Moresby residences, as well as the Hilton Garden Inn Busselton. In 2024, three Hilton Garden Inn hotels are scheduled to open in Box Hill, Sydney Kingswood and Brisbane City Center North, as well as DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Albert Street.
With borders opening and travel demand raging, Hilton will continue to provide an important backdrop for guests to create new memories at their 29 hotels across Australasia.
“We are confident that together with our partners, Hilton will emerge from this pandemic stronger than before as we continue to bring the light and warmth of hospitality to our guests and seize growth opportunities in key destinations to our owners,” Hutton said.
