Hilton Worldwide Scores High Marks On Corporate Equality Index

McLean, Va., Nov. 15, 2012 /3BL Media/ – Hilton Worldwide announced today that it has scored 90 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 2012 Corporate Equality Index, up 30 points from last year.

The additional points achieved by Hilton Worldwide were a result of three initiatives launched this year, including:

• The launch of the LGBT and Friends’ Team Member Resource Groups across corporate offices in the U.S. One of four similar groups launched this year, the LGBT and Friends’ Team Member Resource groups provide team members with similar backgrounds or interests an opportunity to come together to support and promote personal and professional growth, development needs and perspective from their unique vantage point.  
• Increasing strategic alliances with LGBT organizations – Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), Human Rights Campaign (HRC), National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, Point Foundation and Reaching Out MBA.
• Sponsoring high-profile LGBT events and conferences, including World Pride 2012, Gay Days Orlando and the 45^th anniversary of The Advocate and;
• Offering targeted packages and Hilton Honors sweepstakes for LGBT travelers and friends. StayHilton. GoOut, available at more than 140 Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations properties around the world through year-end, offers 10 percent off the hotel’s Best Rate Available, double Hilton HHonors points, free WiFi and a free subscription to various publications such as OUT magazine. Additionally, this summer, travelers had a chance to win a seven-day, six-night trip for two, 1 million HHonors points and $1,000 HHonors gift card to the Hilton San Francisco Financial District to attend the 43^rd Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade.

“We made significant improvements this year and we’re very proud of our accomplishments,” said Jon Muñoz, senior director, diversity and inclusion, Hilton Worldwide. “We are excited to be listed among great companies that are equally committed to the LGBT community.”

The HRC's Corporate Equality Index (CEI) report, released each fall since 2002, provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S. employers and their policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. It is the premiere national benchmark for LGBT workplace inclusion. All consumer-oriented businesses are included in our "Buying for Equality" guide.

A total of 889 businesses have been rated in the 2013 CEI, including the entire Fortune 500. Two-hundred ninety-three Fortune 500 companies voluntarily submitted surveys; the remaining 201 were rated based upon publicly-available data (the balance being businesses that merged, were acquired or no longer exist). In addition, 79 Fortune 1000 companies, 141 law firms and 175 other companies voluntarily participated in the 2013 CEI. Voluntary participation in the CEI has doubled since its inception. In 2002, 319 companies participated; this year 688 companies participated. View the full report at www.hrc.org/cei.

For a list of Hilton Worldwide’s awards or for more information on the company’s diversity programs and initiatives, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.

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About Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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 90 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.