Hilton plans to quadruple its Caribbean and Latin America portfolio

Hilton Hotels plans to quadruple its Caribbean and Latin America portfolio

Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced plans to quadruple its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America by adding 150 new hotels to its portfolio over the next five years. The company also revealed a new development structure, made up of six staff, to lead its efforts in achieving this objective. This news underscores the company's stated goal to add 1,000 hotels to its international portfolio in ten years. Hilton currently has 42 properties in the Caribbean and Latin America development pipeline and has identified a number of strategic markets in gateway cities and resort destinations for further growth of selected Hilton Family brands. Expansion will bring the company's total presence in the regions to more than 200 properties.

Gagnaire opens restaurant in Seoul Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire has opened his new restaurant, Pierre Gagnaire a Seoul at the Lotte Hotel Seoul following a 7b won (£3.1m) investment. The menu features dishes prepared using Korean ingredients such as abalone, sesame and rice, as well as his flagship French cuisine. Gagnaire has also personally selected 270 different wines to match his dishes, of which some 130 wines have never been introduced in Korea before. Gagnaire has also made up a comprehensive service manual regarding reception, service technique, food and wine pairing; and a multi-concept bar in his name opening for the first time in the world.

Sheraton to open a hotel every 12 days
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is initiating an aggressive global expansion, with 54 hotels scheduled to open and 20,000 new rooms to be added to the brand by 2009. The Sheraton brand's growth plan, which includes an investment of $2b (£1.1m) in new hotel openings in North America, is part of a larger initiative to revitalise the brand and differentiate the guest experience at its 406 hotels and resorts across 71 countries. In 2009, Sheraton will open one hotel every 12 days in cities and regions around the world.

Langham Hotels International expands its presence in southern China Langham Hotels International has strengthened its presence in China by sealing a deal with Guangzhou Huihua Hotel Company to manage the new 320-bedroom Langham Place, EDZ, Guangzhou. Located in the Guangzhou Economic Development Zone in Luogang District, the new hotel is set to open in 2010. It will also feature a Chuan Spa. This move marks LHI's first expansion into South China, following its earlier entry into Shanghai and Beijing where three new hotels are scheduled to open their doors in 2009 under The Langham and Langham Place brands.

By Gemma Sharkey

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