Hilton tops Latin America workplace ranking as regional workforce grows

Hilton has secured its first No. 1 overall ranking among Latin America’s best workplaces from Great Place to Work in 2026, the company announced on 13 August. The recognition comes as its workforce across Latin America and the Caribbean has grown by nearly 60% since 2021, according to internal company data.

The group said it has averaged more than 11,000 hires into its regional system annually over the past three years. Its network now includes more than 26,000 team members across 35 countries and more than 300 hotels, with a development pipeline of more than 150 hotels and 21,000 rooms.

For hotel operators, the announcement brings together Hilton’s recruitment scale and its approach to developing staff as the network expands. The company links career development to guest service and expects planned hotel openings to provide further opportunities for existing employees and new recruits.

First overall regional workplace title

The overall award also marks Hilton’s fourth consecutive year as Latin America’s highest-ranked hospitality workplace. Ayesha Williams, Hilton’s vice president of human resources for the Caribbean and Latin America, attributed the result to employees and the working culture they have helped establish.

“This recognition is an incredibly proud moment for Hilton in Latin America, and one that has been years in the making,” Williams said. She said the ranking reflected a workplace where staff felt included, valued and able to develop their careers.

Hilton also reported No. 1 workplace rankings in Argentina, Panama, Peru and Uruguay in 2026. Those results follow its No. 1 World’s Best Workplace ranking from Great Place to Work and Fortune in 2025, after a decade of inclusion on the global list.

Internal development supports hotel leadership

Hilton’s internal survey of Latin American team members found that 85% believed they could meet their career goals at the company, while 88% reported continuing opportunities to learn and develop. It also found that 93% considered Hilton a great workplace and 94% were proud to work there.

Development options in the region include Hilton University, leadership programmes, cross-training and the Fun & Growth initiative. Globally, Hilton said internal candidates have filled nearly two-thirds of corporate and hotel leadership positions.

Fun & Growth enables employees travelling to another Hilton property to undertake cross-training and build professional connections. The company highlighted Isac Thiago, a pastry team member at Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro, who visited Hilton Bogotá in Colombia through the programme.

Thiago worked with the Bogotá pastry team to improve his laminated pastry techniques and gain experience in a different hotel environment. After returning home, he enrolled in English classes to help broaden his opportunities within Hilton’s international network, the company said.

Training beyond the existing workforce

Hilton also outlined efforts to support prospective hospitality workers through its philanthropic arm, the Hilton Global Foundation. Its work with organisations including the International Youth Foundation connects young people with training, skills education and career opportunities.

As its regional hotel pipeline advances, Hilton said it intends to give employees opportunities to progress alongside that expansion. The company expects the additional properties and rooms to support further career opportunities in the coming years.