First Tempo by Hilton hotel outside of the US to open in Belfast

Belfast is set to welcome Hilton’s first Tempo by Hilton hotel outside of the US as the Virginia-based hotel group sets eyes on 1,000 hotels in the EMEA region.

The Tempo by Hilton brand was launched in 2020 as a lifestyle hotel for “modern achievers” and is known for its extensive fitness offering.

Tempo by Hilton opened its first 661-bedroom hotel in New York in 2023 and confirmed it has more than 50 additional sites in the pipeline, with plans for openings across San Diego, California and Tennessee this year.

The 144-room Tempo by Hilton Belfast City Centre is expected to open towards the end of 2026 with a fully equipped fitness centre featuring Technogym, Precor, or Life Fitness equipment, as well as in-room fitness gear kits and Origins bathroom amenities.

The signing of Tempo by Hilton Belfast City Centre under a franchise agreement with Loughview Leisure Group also coincided with the hotel giant’s recent expansion into Northern Ireland.

The company is due to open three new hotels in the region in 2025 – Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square and DoubleTree by Hilton Derry-Londonderry – which will double Hilton’s room count across the country over the next year.

By the end of 2026, Hilton will also be represented under five brands in Northern Ireland, up from three previously.

Nick Smart, vice-president of development UK and Ireland at Hilton, said: “Northern Ireland has a rich heritage and rapidly growing international appeal. We’re committed to ensuring that every traveller has access to a high-quality hotel to suit their needs – from business travellers and locals who want to explore what’s on their doorstep, to adventurous global visitors looking to experience everything this country has to offer.

“This latest brand entry is a significant milestone, and we’re delighted to work with partners like Loughview Leisure Group who bring a wealth of local experience and share our commitment to providing exceptional accommodation to suit every traveller.”

Meanwhile, Hilton is on course to increase its presence in EMEA by a further 50% over the next five years, meaning the company will reach 1,000 hotels in the region this spring.

Rapid growth will be supported by the expansion of the Tempo by Hilton and Spark by Hilton brands.

Spark by Hilton was positioned as an “industry-disrupting” brand when it first launched in 2023 and signed its UK property in Romford the following year.

Simon Vincent, executive vice-president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Hilton, said: “We’re thrilled to be reaching the impressive milestone of 1,000 hotels across 77 countries in EMEA. Our regional growth trajectory remains stronger than ever with more than 450 hotels in our pipeline, a reflection of the significant strides we are making towards our ambition to serve any customer, at any price point, anywhere in the world they want to stay.”

Hilton operates a portfolio of 24 brands comprising more than 8,400 properties in 140 countries and territories.