Australia: Hilton named leading hospitality workplace

International

Great Place to Work ranks Hilton first among Australian hospitality employers with more than 1,000 employees as the hotel group prepares further expansion across Australasia

Hilton has been recognised as Australia’s leading hospitality workplace for 2026 by Great Place to Work in the category for companies employing more than 1,000 people. The recognition comes as the hotel group prepares to expand its portfolio across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Hilton currently employs around 1,800 people in Australia. The latest recognition follows Great Place to Work certification for its operations in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

New hotels planned across Australasia

The workplace award coincides with a period of substantial portfolio growth. Upcoming openings include Waldorf Astoria Sydney, Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa and LXR Gold Coast in Australia, Hilton Garden Inn Suva in Fiji and DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland in New Zealand.

The projects will increase Hilton’s presence in several important leisure and city destinations and create additional employment opportunities across hotel operations, food and beverage, sales, marketing and other functions.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices and experiences of our team members,” said Paul Hutton, area vice president and head of Australasia at Hilton. “At Hilton, we know that a great workplace is built every day - through the way we lead, listen, recognise and care for one another.”

Hutton said the company was particularly proud of the 1,800 employees behind the result and would continue focusing on creating a workplace in which staff can develop their careers as Hilton expands in the region.

Recruitment becomes part of hotel expansion

The recognition also highlights the relationship between hotel development and the industry's ability to recruit and retain employees. Hilton says its approach focuses on inclusion, wellbeing, professional development and recognition, with career opportunities ranging from operational and culinary positions to commercial and corporate roles.

“Hospitality offers extraordinary pathways for growth, and at Hilton we are focused on making sure our people have the tools, support and opportunities to build careers they are proud of,” said Stephanie Lopesi, regional head of human resources for Australasia at Hilton.

The group supports employees through programmes including its Thrive at Hilton wellbeing framework, the Lead@Hilton leadership development platform and Care for All, which provides support for employees with caregiving responsibilities. The Go Hilton programme also offers employees discounted hotel rates for private travel.

Employer positioning gains importance during growth

For Hilton, the Australian result builds on previous workplace recognition in Asia and internationally. The company has been ranked as Asia’s leading hospitality workplace since 2017 and was named Asia’s top workplace across industries in 2025.

The latest Australian recognition arrives at a strategically important point. With new properties preparing to open in Sydney, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Suva and Auckland, the ability to attract and retain qualified employees will accompany Hilton’s physical expansion across the region.