Hampton Hotels Maintains Top Spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 List

First hotel brand to hold the top spot, Hampton fosters loyalty, passion among owners

MCLEAN, Va.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Hampton Hotels (www.hampton.com), part of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands, today announced that it is number one in Entrepreneur Magazine’s annual Franchise 500® for the second year in a row. Hampton is the first hotel brand ever to achieve this prestigious top ranking in Entrepreneur, known as the world’s “first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking.”

“They demonstrate a consistent focus on keeping the brand change-ready and future-focused, providing support and working to foster the strength and growth of the brand. It’s a great franchise to be a part of and well-deserving of its many awards.”

“This is an unprecedented achievement for any hotel brand and I couldn’t be more proud of our franchise partners,” said Phil Cordell, global head, Focused Service Brands and Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide. “The fact that we’ve held the number one ranking for two years in a row is an endorsement of the commitment and trust our franchisees have in the Hampton brand. When you factor in our unique business model, passionate corporate leadership and engaged hotel team members who deliver great guest service every day, it’s easy to see why we are an award-winning brand.”

Paul Brown, president, Brands and Commercial Services, Hilton Worldwide, said “receiving recognition from a credited and impartial source such as Entrepreneur is a coveted endorsement for any brand. Hampton hotels and its visionary franchise partners will continue to play a key role in Hilton Worldwide’s mission to be the preeminent global hospitality company — the first choice of guests, team members, and owners alike.”

“Franchises are a great avenue to business ownership for those with the entrepreneurial spirit—and they’re playing a definitive role in driving the economy upward,” says Amy Cosper, VP and editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “Unit numbers from the Franchise 500® grew overall in 2010 and 2011, giving individuals a great place to begin investigating some of the brightest opportunities like Hampton.”

How does a brand like Hampton hotel stay number one? “We are unwavering in our commitment to support our franchisees, and we provide ample opportunities for interaction along with helpful tools and resources,” said Gina Valenti, vice president, Owner Services and Hampton Brand Culture & Internal Communications. “Our ultimate goal is to develop relationships with our franchisees and management partners that foster loyalty and a passion for the brand. I am proud that our owners are so highly engaged and committed to the global success of the brand, and I think this Entrepreneur ranking is a testament to that fact.”

Bo Aughtry, of Windsor, Aughtry Company and owner of several Hampton hotels and a member of the brand’s Franchise Advisory Council, is an example of the visionary guidance Hampton enjoys. “I value my relationships with Hampton and Hilton Worldwide leaders,” he said. “They demonstrate a consistent focus on keeping the brand change-ready and future-focused, providing support and working to foster the strength and growth of the brand. It’s a great franchise to be a part of and well-deserving of its many awards.”

The Hampton brand continues to grow with the brand opening its first hotel in India this December 2011. Hotel openings in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Latin America in 2012 and beyond can also be attributed to the strong Hilton Worldwide global development teams who partner with the brand, investors and management companies to set them up for business success with Hampton hotels http://www.hiltonworldwide.com/portfolio/hampton/.

Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 ranks franchises based on a variety of criteria, including financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. The 2012 rankings mark the 33rd anniversary of the Franchise 500.

About Hampton Hotels

The Hampton Hotels brand, including Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton, is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment. With more than 1,800 properties globally, Hampton Hotels is part of Hilton Worldwide, the leading global hospitality company. All Hampton Hotels offer warm surroundings and a friendly service culture that share a common “personality” supported by the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. High-quality accommodations, in-room conveniences and the latest technology, combined with numerous locations and consistent offerings, have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest growing hotel brands. For more information about Hampton Hotels, please visit www.hamptonglobalmediacenter.com, www.facebook.com/Hampton or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HamptonFYI.

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