Hilton Plans Massive Caribbean Expansion

This expansion builds upon Hilton's existing footprint of over 300 hotels in 35 countries and territories across the Caribbean and Latin America. The development pipeline includes more than 150 properties, which are expected to add over 21,000 rooms to its regional portfolio. The growth is heavily weighted towards luxury and lifestyle brands, which accounted for more than half of the openings in 2025. Brands seeing significant expansion include Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and Curio Collection by Hilton, indicating a focus on higher-end supply chains. The all-inclusive segment is also a key target, with new properties like the Zemi Miches Punta Cana, Curio Collection by Hilton, recently opening. This "asset-light" strategy means Hilton is focusing on franchise and management agreements rather than direct property ownership. This model shifts capital expenditure and direct operational logistics to third-party owners, creating a more complex, decentralized network of supply chain partners rather than a single corporate-managed system. Key markets for this expansion include Mexico, where Hilton has already surpassed 100 operating hotels, and Brazil. The company also plans to nearly double its presence in the Caribbean, adding 35 new properties to the 45 currently in operation. The strategic push is being driven by a dedicated regional development team. This localized approach includes creating region-specific prototypes for focused-service brands like Tru by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton to better fit market needs. Conversions of existing hotels into Hilton-branded properties are a major driver of this growth, accounting for a significant percentage of new openings. This strategy allows for faster market entry and integration compared to new-build construction, presenting unique challenges for aligning existing supply chains with Hilton's standards.