Currently, Hilton has 42 properties in the development pipeline for the Caribbean and Latin America. "Expanding our global platform is a strategic priority for Hilton," said Steve Goldman, president, global development & real estate for Hilton Hotels Corp., in a statement. "We are focusing on accelerating the growth of our international management and franchise business by securing strategic development agreements and employing resources in international markets."

Hilton will add 17 hotels to the 13 already in place in the Caribbean. The chain is picking gateway centers for each area, specifically in this region: San Juan, Trinidad and Nassau. The plan would put focused-service hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn or the Hampton Inn into these areas, as opposed to luxury hotels in Turks & Caicos, the Lesser Antilles and The Bahamas.

Central America will gain 23 of the properties, adding to the existing seven in the region. As in the Caribbean, most will be focused-service hotels, although aimed at the capitols and or secondary markets: Liberia, Costa Rica; David Panama or Leon, Nicaragua. Resort destinations are planned for Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala and Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Mexico and Brazil, because of their size will garner the most hotels, with 60 and 50 respectively planned for each. Hilton's current portfolio in Mexico holds 19 properties and will spread the brands across the country. Brazil will be the jumping off point for the rest of South America adding onto the 12 South American properties.

Hilton is putting together a six-member team to push these properties through, consisting of Gregory Rockett, VP development Caribbean and Southeast US; George Massa, senior director of development, Mexico; Luis Alvarado, director of development, Mexico; Simon Suarez, chief development representative, Central America; Cristiano Goncalves, VP development, South America; and Paula Muniz, director of development, South America. "Hilton Hotels Corp. is placing significant emphasis on growth in the Caribbean and Latin America," said Ted Middleton, SVP of development, in a statement.

Instant Insights /

Hilton to Add 150 Hotels to Caribbean/Latin America

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