"I had the chance to pursue a project unlike any other, in an area of the country boasting intense natural beauty, and an abundance of flora and fauna… This was a dream realized."
I must also mention Mexico. Early on in my role, I learned that travelers come to Mexico for a variety of reasons, but there is one type of traveler in which I was most intrigued – the seeker of upscale all-inclusive experiences. I knew I had to work on an all-inclusive project that would set Hilton apart from all others. I was lucky to touch not one, but five all-inclusive resorts currently welcoming guests in Mexico, including our upscale and largest resort in CALA – Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort.
Also in the past year, we opened Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya and of course, Waldorf Astoria Cancun. Looking ahead, I want to further expand our luxury portfolio in other renowned destinations across the region. I have a feeling we’ll have some exciting news to announce soon.
Vice president, development, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton
I’ve been with Hilton for five years, which feel like a lifetime - a lifetime of positive growth, exciting opportunities and exposure to some of the most desirable destinations in the world. One of my first trips with Hilton was to Ecuador, but interestingly, I was not yet an official Hilton team member. I was invited to join Hilton at an investment conference in the country so I could better understand the company and their plans for the region. I remember asking if they had a hotel in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands; we did not. When I officially joined Hilton shortly thereafter, the Galapagos, known for its high barrier to entry, became the first of my bucket list destinations to plant a Hilton flag. Earlier this year, I was beyond thrilled when we opened Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton – bringing one of Hilton’s lifestyle brands to the heart of Santa Cruz island, and representing the first international hotel brand in the destination.
Our lifestyle and luxury brands have seen great interest from owners and investors. I want to cultivate opportunities for broader expansion across the region and bring Hilton’s brand to new markets. I have my sights set on a few unique developments in the Caribbean and bringing luxury back to South America. Stay tuned!
Director, development, Brazil, Hilton
When I joined Hilton, we had two hotels in Brazil. Being the region’s largest country, I knew my goal was simple – grow. Today, we have 14 hotels in the country, having nearly tripled our portfolio in the last five years. But expansion alone was not my dream. I wanted to be part of something that truly put Hilton on the map in Brazil, and in 2017, I had the honor of forming part of the team that delivered a Hilton on Copacabana Beach – Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, the tallest hotel in this incredibly sought-after beach destination. When it opened, it marked Hilton’s 100th hotel in Latin America.
Since then, we’ve not only grown, but we’ve also introduced new brands from Hampton by Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton in 2019 to the arrival of Canopy by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton last year, and Tru by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton this year. My goal is to keep this going, to make our portfolio in Brazil as diverse as possible with a Hilton flag in every destination our guests want to visit.