Hilton is celebrating a major milestone this year—50 years since its arrival in Australasia. The anniversary marks half a century since the opening of Hilton Sydney in 1974, the brand’s first property in the region and a symbol of its long-standing commitment to excellence in hospitality.
Global leaders to share brand insights
To honour this golden anniversary, Hilton’s key global leaders, including Leonard Gooz, Global Brand Leader of Hilton Hotels & Resorts; Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific; and Paul Hutton, Area Vice President and Head of Australasia, joined the celebration at Sydney Hilton Hotel.
Speaking to Travel Monitor, Leonard Gooz noted that Hilton Hotels & Resorts had ranked in top place as the most valuable brand, best business brand and most trusted hotel brand.
Adding to that, Leonard Gooz said, “Hilton Hotels & Resorts are across 100 countries worldwide in 2025, with 617 properties and a further 170 properties in the pipeline.
“For the Asia Pacific Region, Hilton is in 21 countries with 143 hotels and resorts, with over 80 mroe properties in the pipeline,” Leonard Gooz added.
A celebration of 50 years
Opened in 1975, Hilton Sydney was the birthplace of Hilton’s journey in Australasia, setting new standards in international hospitality for Australian travellers. Forward to 2025 and the hotel remains at the forefront of luxury and innovation, recently completing a $40 million transformation that includes a dramatic renovation of the hotel’s lobby, lobby lounge, executive lounge and guest hallways, as well as the addition of 12 new guest rooms, bringing the total to 598 elegantly appointed rooms and suites.
Hilton Sydney’s renovation is a testament to Hilton’s commitment to being The World’s Iconic Host, blending charisma, culture, and confidence through inspired design, dynamic dining, and engaging entertainment offerings.
Guests enjoyed an evening of canapés, cocktails and live entertainment, bringing together Hilton’s legacy of world-class hospitality and its bold vision for the decades ahead.
The event celebrated Hilton’s expansive footprint and achievements in the region, and underscores its continuing dedication to guest experience and brand innovation.
Looking Ahead
As Hilton charts its course for the next 50 years, Australia remains central to its regional growth strategy. With plans to expand into new locations across Asia Pacific and continued investment in its Australian portfolio, the brand is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences well into the future.
At the heart of this commitment is The Stay – Hilton’s promise to make every Stay matter. More than just a place to sleep, The Stay represents our belief that the Stay is the most important part of any trip. Whether guests are travelling for business, celebration, or discovery, we’re focused on delivering moments that are memorable, meaningful, and unmistakably Hilton.
In Australasia, Hilton currently has 47 hotels trading, with a robust pipeline of 12 projects under planning or construction. As Hilton expands its footprint, the global hospitality brand is accelerating growth through franchising, offering owners greater flexibility while tapping into Hilton’s world-class expertise. Upcoming openings include Waldorf Astoria Sydney, DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland, Hilton Garden Inn Suva, Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane, and Hilton Garden Inn Sydney Kingswood.
Hilton’s presence spans the world, with landmark properties that have helped define iconic destinations. From The Beverly Hilton to Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, Hilton Tokyo, and Hilton Sydney, Hilton hotels are synonymous with the best in global hospitality. Over the years, we’ve had a lasting impact on local economies and communities.
Hilton’s global expansion continues as the brand approaches the opening of its 100th country in 2025. Hilton’s footprint now extends across continents, bringing Hilton’s legacy to new destinations like Papua New Guinea, Uzbekistan and Namibia where presence once seemed unimaginable.
