How do you measure the value of a brand? Brand Finance, a UK-based independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy, believes it knows how.
Every year it scrutinizes thousands of the world’s top brands, and ranks them. It's unveiled this year's top 50 hotel brands by value, part of its Brand Finance Hotels 50.
Who is #1? According to Brand Finance, Hilton takes the crown, with a value of US$7.8 billion up by a third on last year’s value of US$5.8 billion. Hilton Worldwide also was tabulated as the most valuable group. Six Hilton Worldwide brands were in the top 50, totalling US$13.3 billion, with Hilton at the top to Waldorf Astoria, which came in at 50.
Marriott came in at second place with a brand value of US$5.3 billion. Marriott International has more brands in the top 50 than Hilton, eight in total, however, its combined value is lower, at US$12 billion. Starwood, recently acquired by Marriott, is the third most significant group by brand value, its six brands being valued at US$6.7 billion.
Click here for the explanation of how Brand Finance makes its brand calculations. Otherwise, enjoy the chart.