The hospitality industry continues to thrive globally, driven by growing travel demand, rising business trips, and a strong millennial customer base. In 2017, China alone spent $258 billion on tourism, contributing to the sector’s $3.4 trillion annual addition to the global economy. Here is a list of the top hotel chains in the world by revenue in 2018.
10. Accor – France
Revenue: $2.2 billion | Employees: 192,627
Founded in 1967 with its first Novotel, Accor now manages 33 brands, including Fairmont, Mövenpick, Ibis, and Novotel, across 4,500 addresses in 100 countries. In 2018, Accor expanded in Australia by acquiring Mantra Group, adding 134 properties.
9. Oriental Land – Japan
Revenue: $4.3 billion | Employees: 4,348
Originating in 1960 as a land reclamation project, Oriental Land operates Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, and multiple Disney-branded hotels, focusing on leisure and tourism development in Japan.
8. Shenzhen Overseas – China
Revenue: $4.3 billion | Employees: 25,130
Founded in 1997, Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Co., Ltd. is a state-owned hospitality and real estate company that manages hotels, tourism services, and high-profile developments near Shenzhen’s financial center.
7. Hyatt Hotels – USA
Revenue: $4.4 billion | Employees: 45,000
Hyatt operates over 600 properties in 54 countries, including Park Hyatt, Andaz, and Grand Hyatt. Founded in 1957 by Jay Pritzker, the company remains partially owned by the Pritzker family, with Thomas Pritzker as executive chairman.
6. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – USA
Revenue: $5.5 billion | Employees: 31,000
Norwegian Cruise Line, established in 1966, now manages three cruise brands with a fleet of 26 ships covering 450+ destinations. Expansion continues with new ships under the Breakaway Plus Class program.
5. Wyndham Destinations – USA
Revenue: $5.5 billion | Employees: 39,200
Founded in 1981, Wyndham manages vacation ownership resorts and exchange properties globally. Serving 3.5 million families yearly, it is the world’s largest vacation ownership company.
4. Royal Caribbean Cruises – USA
Revenue: $8.8 billion | Employees: 66,000
Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean operates multiple cruise lines, serving over 50 million guests. The company recently acquired a majority stake in Silversea Cruises, expanding to 1,000 destinations worldwide.
3. Hilton – USA
Revenue: $9.1 billion | Employees: 163,000
Hilton, established in 1919, now manages more than 5,100 properties across 103 countries with 14 brands, including DoubleTree, Hampton, and Waldorf Astoria. Hilton continues global expansion under Hilton Worldwide.
2. Carnival – USA
Revenue: $18 billion | Employees: 99,200
Carnival Cruise Line, founded in 1972, operates 26 ships and eight cruise brands, including Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. Carnival pioneered the “Fun Ships” experience and remains family-led under CEO Micky Arison.
1. Marriott International – USA
Revenue: $22.3 billion | Employees: 177,000
Founded in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott, Marriott now offers 30 brands, including Sheraton, Westin, and Delta, across 6,700 properties in 129 countries. The Marriott family retains a 25% ownership stake.
These top hotel chains dominate the global hospitality industry through continuous expansion, acquisitions, and diversified brand offerings, setting the benchmark for service and global reach.
