MCLEAN, Va.--September 27, 2012--Pools and water activities are the most important element of a family resort vacation, followed by spacious and potentially adjoining guest rooms, according to the latest Hilton Blue Paper – “Resort Travel Trends: What Families Want.” Hilton Hotels & Resorts issues the study today as the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide prepares to introduce Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort as its 75^th resort and first all-inclusive in Mexico this Fall. The study explores top destinations along with the needs and preferences of parents and kids when it comes to family vacations. Hilton finds an increased interest in all-inclusive resorts, with 92 percent of U.S. parents and 95 percent of U.K. parents polled at least “somewhat interested” in this model.

Additional focus is given to the vacation planning process, today’s desirable destinations and the preferred components of an ultimate kids’ club experience. The report was commissioned by Hilton Hotels & Resorts and offers valuable insight from parents and kids – through a survey to more than 1,200 parents in the U.S. and U.K. in June and July 2012 as well as 20 focus groups that separated moms and kids in November 2011 in the U.S., U.K. and China.

“This new research offers a timely perspective on what today’s families seek in resort vacations,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Of particular note, the report’s leading resort vacation considerations of pools and food for everyone are key touch points for our 75 resorts that all offer at least two pools or a pool and a beach and a minimum of two restaurants along with waterfront food and beverage services.”

Key insights in this Hilton Blue Paper include:

• Pools and water activities are the No. 1 resort touch point for parents and kids, followed by spacious (and potentially adjoining) guest rooms and a variety of dining options
• Kids’ clubs are a highly valued resort amenity for families, as they allow kids to have fun and enjoy group activities while parents take advantage of some “me” time – key considerations for kids’ club use are safety, flexibility and diverse programming
• Top destinations where U.S. parents want to vacation now include Hawaii, Orlando, the Grand Canyon, Southern California and Continental Europe, while U.K. parents pair their top choice of Orlando with Disneyland Paris, Italy, Mallorca and Dubai
• An increasing interest in all-inclusive resorts, with 92 percent of U.S. parents and 95 percent of U.K. parents at least “somewhat interested” in this resort vacation option
• Mom serves as the family travel agent – researching travel options and seeking advice from trusted sources (including friends and family) before booking a family vacation
• While parents want to simply relax and create fond memories while vacationing, kids are most interested in fun pools and good food
• A checklist of parent recommendations for resort vacations that please everyone in the family

“This Hilton Blue Paper examines the family vacation experience from the planning period to key on-property touch points, with input coming from the most credible source of moms, dads and kids in cities around the world who regularly take resort vacations,” said Bonnie Campagnuolo, senior director, global brand marketing, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to using the report to further shape the guiding principles and standards for our Hilton Resorts portfolio that offers 75 resorts in 28 countries.”

The Hilton Blue Paper is released as the Hilton Resorts portfolio continues to expand its global footprint with 17 resorts in development while consistently offering memorable vacation experiences in the world’s most desirable locations – as near as Florida and Hawaii and as exotic as Mauritius, Seychelles and Bora Bora. The portfolio, which features 10 all-inclusive resorts with the opening of Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort in October 2012, will introduce exciting beach and city resorts by 2015 in destinations including Argentina, Austria, China, India, Egypt, U.A.E. and Jordan.

Hilton Resorts is a specific collection of premier properties within the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio that are designed for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in the world’s most sought-after destinations. This distinguished group of more than 70 properties located throughout 28 countries encompasses requirements above and beyond the Hilton brand standards.

To view a summary and full version of the “Resort Travel Trends: What Families Want” report and other Hilton Blue Papers, visit http://news.hilton.com/bluepaper. To learn more about Hilton Resorts, visit http://hilton.com/resorts or http://news.hilton.com/resorts.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized names in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 550 properties in 80 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at http://news.hilton.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltonhotels, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 91 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.