Cook 1 - Culinary Team

Hilton report finds Asia Pacific travellers prioritising flexibility, growth and wellbeing. 01.10.2026 Hilton's 2027 Trends Report identifies five APAC travel trends, from flexible trip planning and trusted advice to personal growth, nature-led wellness and shorter escapes. Hilton has identified five APAC travel trends that it expects to influence how people plan and experience trips in 2027. Its latest Trends Report points to greater demand for flexibility, trusted advice and experiences that deliver lasting personal value. Travellers are also placing more emphasis on wellbeing, nature and making better use of limited time away. Agodabooking service The findings draw on a global survey of more than 14,000 travellers. More than 5,000 respondents came from five Asia Pacific markets. Hilton conducted the regional research in partnership with Morning Consult. Travellers redefine the idea of a perfect trip. Hilton describes one of the main APAC travel trends as the "Rise of 'Ish'". Some 60% of regional respondents said they feel pressure to get every detail of a trip right. However, 50% now plan experiences around their own preferences, showing a shift towards more personal and flexible travel. The report also points to changes in solo travel. Around 30% of Asia Pacific travellers have travelled alone before meeting friends or family at the destination. Hilton says this reflects a balance between independence and social connection. Motto by Hilton has also seen more than half of its worldwide reservations over the past year come from solo guests. Hilton is expanding the brand in Asia Pacific, with new properties planned from Shanghai to Sydney. Ben George, Senior Vice President and Commercial Director, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said: "The Great Rebalance marks a shift from passive tourism to experiences with personal purpose, with travellers increasingly looking to engage more deeply with the places they visit," said Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton. "Across Asia Pacific, travellers want to return from their travels with something lasting - a new perspective, a deeper connection, or a renewed sense of wellbeing. Hilton is bringing that shift to life by combining our portfolio of brands, intuitive digital experiences, and the human expertise of our teams to help guests turn every stay into an experience that is distinctly their own." Human recommendations retain influence. Despite the growth of AI-powered travel planning, human expertise remains important. Some 69% of APAC travellers trust hotel staff as a travel-planning resource. Among respondents who trust family most, one in five non-parents identified their mother as their main source of travel advice. Loyalty status is also affecting traveller perceptions. Nearly half of respondents, at 46%, said they are more likely to trust recommendations from someone with loyalty status. Another 32% said they feel jealous when friends hold a higher travel loyalty status than they do. Hilton reports double-digit growth in members reaching elite tiers after changes to Hilton Honors in January 2026. The company says the changes made status easier to earn while increasing its perceived value. Travel increasingly linked with personal growth. Personal development is another APAC travel trend highlighted in the report. Some 76% of respondents said having a trip on their calendar gives them something to work towards. Meanwhile, 43% said travel has helped them discover new interests or passions. Agodabooking service Discover more Daily travel news Trip planning AI Agoda booking service Hilton refers to this trend as "Growth Getaways". The company sees opportunities for hotels to connect visitors more closely with local culture and skills. At ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts, for example, guests can take part in washi paper-making and Kintsugi through the brand's Pursuit of Adventure programme. Nature becomes central to travel wellbeing. The report also identifies a broader change in how travellers think about wellness. Some 59% of APAC respondents actively seek experiences that calm the body and reset the nervous system. A further 72% said travel helps them recharge mentally and physically in ways they cannot easily achieve at home. Nature plays a major role in that shift. Around 76% said fresh air and outdoor environments are essential to relaxation while travelling. More than half (56%) spend more time immersed in nature on holiday than at home. Hilton properties are responding with destination-led wellness experiences. At Conrad Bali, the offer includes Forest Bathing and Foraging in the Jatiluwih rice terraces and Bedugul rainforest. The programme combines time in nature with local food and traditional experiences. Shorter trips need to deliver more. Time constraints are also changing travel behaviour. Some 59% of Asia Pacific travellers prefer trips that allow them to experience a lot within a short period. Hilton describes this as the "Micro-Travel Mindset", with travellers taking shorter and more frequent breaks. The definition of a short trip varies across markets. Overall, 53% of APAC travellers consider a journey of less than two days to be short. In Australia, 78% define a short break as fewer than three to four days, while the figure reaches 87% in China. Hilton is adapting some guest experiences around this behaviour. Conrad 1/3/5 offers activities designed around one, three or five hours, allowing guests to experience more of a destination without committing a full day. Tal Shefer, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said: "Travel is becoming less about following a formula and more about creating a stay that works for you," said Tal Shefer, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. "That shift is reflected across our brands, from the flexibility and social energy of Motto by Hilton, to the immersive discovery of LXR Hotels & Resorts, and the restorative experiences offered by Waldorf Astoria and Conrad. As traveller expectations continue to evolve, our focus is on ensuring each brand has a clear point of view while giving guests more ways to personalise their stay and connect with the destination." Hilton currently operates a portfolio of 28 brands and more than 9,400 properties. Its partnerships include Explora Journeys, AutoCamp and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The company says the latest APAC travel trends point towards trips that are more personal, flexible and closely connected with wellbeing, discovery and individual priorities. Agodabooking service Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

Hilton to debut Motto brand in Japan with Kyoto hotel. 01.10.2026 Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, rendering Hilton will introduce its Motto by Hilton brand to Japan with a 108-room Kyoto hotel scheduled to open in 2029 under an agreement with Heiwa Real Estate. KYOTO - Hilton and Heiwa Real Estate Co. have agreed to bring Japan's first Motto by Hilton hotel to Kyoto. Kyoto hotel scheduled for 2029. Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is scheduled to open in 2029. Hilton will manage the 108-room hotel. The property will include an all-day dining restaurant and a lounge with an open terrace. Motto hotels connect travelers with destinations through dynamic design and active social spaces. They also focus on a sense of place. The Kyoto signing follows recent Motto openings in Brazil and Nashville. The brand also has signings in Paris, Shanghai and Sydney. Motto currently has 13 hotels in urban, resort and adventure destinations worldwide. More than 24 additional hotels are under development. "The debut of Motto in Kyoto reflects our continued commitment to one of Hilton's key growth markets. With Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, we will introduce a flexible stay experience designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of travelers, from families and friends traveling together to solo guests exploring the city on their own," said Hirohisa Fujimoto, Vice President, Development, Japan & Micronesia, Hilton. Location near Kyoto transport links. The new hotel will stand two minutes from Shijo Station. Shijo Station serves the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line. Karasuma Station serves the Hankyu Kyoto Line. The location provides access to Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". It also provides access to the Gion and Higashiyama districts. Discover more Sustainable tourism initiatives Visitors can experience traditional culture and historic streetscapes in both districts. The Shijo Kawaramachi area also offers shopping and dining. The hotel will have connectivity to Kyoto Station. It will serve domestic and international leisure travelers and business guests. Heiwa Real Estate expands hotel business. Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. is developing the project under its long-term WAY2040 vision. The company is expanding its hotel business as a new area of growth. "As part of our efforts to realize our long-term vision, WAY2040, we are expanding our hotel business as a new area of growth. We are thrilled to partner with Hilton, a globally recognized hospitality company, to develop this hotel project. Through the Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, the first Motto by Hilton property in Japan, we will pursue "Bazukuri", including operations such as construction of buildings, creation of community and opportunities," said Kiyoyuki Tsuchimoto, representative executive officer, President and CEO, Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. Hilton expands its Kyoto portfolio. Hilton entered Kyoto with the opening of ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts, in 2021. The company has since opened five hotels in Kyoto over the past five years. Hilton also has an upcoming Curio Collection by Hilton property in the city. With the Curio Collection property and Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, Hilton's Kyoto portfolio will reach seven hotels across its brands. "Motto by Hilton was created to connect guests to the heart of a destination, and we're excited to bring that vision to Kyoto as the brand continues its expansion," said Alex Shockley, Senior Director, Lifestyle and Collection Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton. "Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will offer a fresh, locally rooted hospitality experience that encourages gathering, creating a new type of stay for guests looking to immerse themselves in Japan's cultural capital." GeographicReference The hotel will participate in Hilton Honors. Hilton's guest loyalty program covers its 28 hotel brands. Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews. asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to its strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.