Hilton CEO: 2026 ‘Will Be a Lot Better Than 25’ After Results Show Sluggish Growth
Photo Credit: A double bed guestroom at Hilton Arcadia Los Angeles. Hilton
Skift Take
Hilton’s muted growth in revenue per available room last year primarily reflected an economic strain on mid-market travelers. Yet CEO Chris Nassetta is optimistic about what he's seeing in the overall bookings data for 2026.
Hilton's 2025 results provided the latest snapshot of a travel sector that had been undermined by economic uncertainty. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose by only 0.4%, below the 2% to 3% range the hotel group had forecast a year ago.
"Liberation Day was a pretty big deal, and the biggest government shutdown in American history was a pretty big deal," according to CEO Chris Nassetta on Wednesday's earnings call. "You, hopefully, don't repeat those at that scale."
Uncertainty particularly dampened performance for the company's mid-market brands. While Hilton's luxury brands delivered double-digit RevPAR gains, its limited-service brands saw occupancy declines and weaker prices.
"In this 'K-shaped' economy, the very wealthy keep doing well, and the middle class and below have continued to struggle to pay for groceries and gas," Nassetta said.
Hilton's 2026 OutlookHilton forecasts that its revenue per available room (RevPAR) will rise
