MEMPHIS, TN--Hotel giant Hilton Worldwide’s Hampton brand is searching for a new agency to provide public relations support, the Holmes Report can reveal.
The brand previously worked with former Hilton Worldwide incumbent Cohn & Wolfe, which declined to repitch and resigned the business last year. Since then, it is understood that Hampton has been handling its PR activities in-house.
Firms are taking part in presentations next week, for a brief estimated at up to $1m, covering the US, the UK and other markets.
The review marks the latest development in Hilton Worldwide’s reshuffle of its agency arrangements. Last year, the hotel group named Edelman as its global AOR, with the independent firm taking charge of around $3m worth of business, including its Waldorf Astoria and Conrad brands, and its relaunched HHonors loyalty program.
Edelman succeeded Cohn & Wolfe, which - again - did not repitch its role on the account. Cohn & Wolfe continues to handle Hilton business in Germany, Mexico and China.
Other Hilton brands are handled by Ketchum (Doubletree) and sister firm Emanate (Embassy Suites).
The Hampton brand covers Hampton Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton. The chain comprises more than 1,800 hotels, largely located in the US, but also in such countries as the UK, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Mexico and Turkey. The past two years has seen more than 150 new properties open, as Hampton eyes growth in emerging markets.
The brand describes its personality as ‘hamptonality unleashed’. The successful PR agency will be charged with “supporting branding perspectives” said a senior agency source involved in the review.
Hampton Hotels global PR brand PR manager John Walls declined to comment on the review.