Hilton Celebrates Successful Centennial Year

MCLEAN, VA—Hilton’s centennial year included record-breaking growth, awards for its inclusive workplace culture and continued recognition of positive community impact.

“Throughout the last 100 years, Hilton has had a tremendous positive impact on billions of lives across the globe,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president/CEO, Hilton. “As we look toward the future, we will continue to prioritize sustainable and inclusive growth, enabling us to further strengthen the collective impact we have on the people and communities we serve.”

In 2019, Hilton achieved 6.6% net unit growth by adding nearly 470 hotels and reaching 6,110 properties globally with more than 971,000 rooms in 119 countries and territories. The company also grew its development pipeline to more than 387,000 rooms across 15 of its brands, supported by more than 116,000 rooms approved in 72 countries and territories. In addition, Hilton achieved a new construction start record of nearly 87,000 rooms.

“Hilton’s growth and performance are a testament to our resilient business model,” said Kevin Jacobs, CFO, Hilton. “In addition to our record-breaking growth across approvals, construction starts and net units, we are delivering on our commitment to serve any guest, anywhere in the world, for any travel need.”

Record Growth: Effect on Economies

  • Opened more luxury properties than in any previous year in its 100-year history, adding 11 hotels across Hilton’s luxury brands Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts
  • Unveiled Signia by Hilton, a meetings-and-events-focused brand that aims to transform the industry for meeting professionals and sophisticated business travelers, located in top urban and resort destinations including Orlando, Atlanta and Indianapolis
  • Expanded presence in Africa to more than 100 hotels trading or under development, including bringing two new brands to Africa with the Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayson and the Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof
  • Opened the 2,500th Hampton by Hilton and grew the brand pipeline to the largest ever; Tru by Hilton also continued its rapid growth, reaching more than 115 open hotels since its 2016 launch
  • LXR Hotels & Resorts debuted in Europe and the Americas with The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa – LXR Hotels & Resorts respectively; Motto by Hilton reached 10 hotels under development
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton celebrated its 500th property opening, first hotel in the Caribbean and 30th anniversary of the brand; Home2 Suites by Hilton opened its 300th property; Embassy Suites by Hilton marked its 35th anniversary

Travel with Purpose: Effect on Communities

  • Launched The Hilton Effect Foundation, dedicated to creating a better world to travel
  • Named the global industry leader in sustainability on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI)
  • Recognized as the only hospitality company on Fortune’s Change the World list for the second year in a row
  • Named to climate change “A-List” by the environmental impact nonprofit CDP
  • Expanded decade-long soap recycling program, already the largest in the hospitality industry, to more than 5,300 properties in 70 countries and territories
  • Exceeded Open Doors pledge to connect, prepare or employ one million young people by 2019
  • Invested in local communities by contributing nearly 550,000 volunteering hours at nearly 10,500 events and expanding food donation initiative to all Hilton-managed hotels in the U.S. and Canada

World’s Best Workplace: Effect on Team Members

  • Named No. 1 Best Company to Work for in the U.S. by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work
  • Ranked No. 2 World’s Best Workplace, appearing on Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work’s annual list of the 25 World’s Best Workplaces for the fourth consecutive year
  • Recognized by Great Place to Work in 17 countries and 3 regions including Argentina No. 1, Italy No. 1, Peru No. 1, Saudi Arabia No. 1, Turkey No. 1, U.S. No. 1, China No. 2, Asia No. 3, United Arab Emirates No. 3, U.K. No. 3, Australia No. 3, Mexico No. 4, Colombia No. 4, Netherlands No. 7, Europe No. 10, Latin America No. 11, Germany No. 12, Brazil No. 14, India No. 16, Canada No. 29
  • Named No. 1 workplace in the U.S. for Parents and Women; No. 2 workplace for millennials by Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine
  • Named No. 4 Top 50 Company for Diversity by Diversity Inc and received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for the seventh consecutive year
  • Achieved Operation: Opportunity five-year target of hiring 30,000 veterans, military spouses and caregivers, and expanded military-friendly commitment by pledging to make 25,000 additional hires by 2025, while also enhancing training and development opportunities