Unlocking Value in Emerging Markets: DoubleTree by Hilton's Strategic Real Estate Play

The hospitality sector's next frontier is not just about building more hotels—it's about leveraging strategic real estate partnerships and adaptive growth models to capitalize on underpenetrated markets. DoubleTree by Hilton, a brand synonymous with global hospitality, is now at the forefront of this shift, turning emerging markets into engines of profitability. With over 700 hotels across 60 countries and territories as of 2025, the brand's expansion into regions like Laos, Guyana, and North Africa offers investors a compelling thesis: strategic real estate opportunities in high-growth markets are ripe for returns.

The Expansion Play: Where Growth Meets Opportunity

DoubleTree's recent milestones underscore its deliberate focus on emerging economies. Consider its 2023–2025 moves:
- Firsts in critical markets: Hilton's debut in Laos via a Vientiane hotel, its entry into Guyana through a dual-branded property with Qatar's Assets Group, and DoubleTree's first hotel in Türkiye (a ski resort in Kars Sarıkamış) all signal a pattern of early-mover advantage. These locations are not just geographic placeholders—they are gateways to rapidly urbanizing populations and booming tourism sectors.
- Pipeline momentum: With over 240 hotels under development, DoubleTree's growth pipeline now includes nine new countries/territories, including North Africa and Eastern Europe. This expansion aligns with the World Tourism Organization's prediction that emerging markets will account for 60% of global tourism growth by 2030, driven by rising middle-class spending and infrastructure investments.

The Real Estate Edge: Partnerships and Conversion Smarts

DoubleTree's success hinges on two strategic pillars: strategic partnerships and asset-light conversions.

1. Partnerships as a Growth Multiplier:
   The collaboration with Qatar's Assets Group in Guyana exemplifies how DoubleTree unlocks value in greenfield markets. By co-developing mixed-use complexes like Hilton Georgetown—a dual-branded property in Guyana's capital—the brand avoids the risks of solo development while benefiting from local expertise. Such partnerships are critical in markets where regulatory hurdles, capital costs, or cultural nuances demand local know-how.

1. Conversions: Fast, Flexible, and Profitable:
   With 40% of Hilton's new openings in 2025 stemming from conversions, DoubleTree's flexibility shines. Existing properties can be rebranded to tap into Hilton's loyalty network and operational systems, reducing capital expenditure and accelerating returns. In regions like Northern Ireland or Egypt, where real estate is already developed but underutilized, conversions allow DoubleTree to capitalize on demand without the risks of new construction.

Why Emerging Markets Now?

The calculus for investors is clear:
- Demographic Tailwinds: Urbanization in China's second-tier cities like Yanji and Zhengzhou, coupled with Ethiopia's tourism boom (its tourism revenue grew by 120% from 2020 to 2024), creates a structural demand for mid-market hotels.
- Infrastructure Leverage: Governments in emerging markets are pouring billions into airports, highways, and smart cities. DoubleTree's airport hotels (e.g., Addis Ababa) or coastal resorts (e.g., Portugal's Azores) sit at the intersection of public investment and private returns.
- Risk Mitigation Through Diversification: Spreading assets across 60+ markets reduces reliance on any single economy. For instance, Türkiye's ski resort or Malta's Mediterranean hubs hedge against regional volatility.

The Bottom Line: A Play for Aggressive Growth

DoubleTree's expansion isn't just about numbers—it's about owning the blueprint for hospitality in the 2020s. With a pipeline of 240+ hotels and strategic moves in Guyana, Laos, and North Africa, the brand is primed to capitalize on a decade of growth in emerging markets. For investors, this is a chance to participate in a global juggernaut that's systematically converting underdeveloped real estate into revenue streams.

The question isn't whether emerging markets will boom—it's whether you'll be positioned to profit. DoubleTree by Hilton's playbook offers a road map. Act now, and secure your stake in the next wave of hospitality gold.

Investment takeaway: Hilton Worldwide's stock (HLT) has surged 45% since 2022 as its pipeline grows. With DoubleTree driving 60% of its expansion, HLT is a leveraged bet on emerging markets.