Surfers Paradise, Australia – 17 December 2025: Hilton Surfers Paradise brought together some of Australasia’s most influential hospitality leaders for an immersive Travel With Purpose community engagement event designed to inspire and educate the future talent of the industry.
More than forty students from two leading Queensland universities participated in a full half-day program, gaining rare firsthand insights into career pathways, sustainable hotel operations, and the evolving future of hospitality.
The initiative aligns with Hilton’s global Travel With Purpose strategy, a company-wide commitment to driving positive social and environmental impact, empowering future leaders, and strengthening the communities where Hilton operates, supported by Hilton’s recognition as the Number 1 World’s Best Workplace.
At its core is a belief that hospitality is a force for good, a philosophy that Hilton reinforces by unlocking opportunities for young people, investing in career development, and creating welcoming, inclusive places to work and stay.
Hosted at Hilton Surfers Paradise, the event opened with a welcome from Paul Hutton, Hilton Area Vice President and Head of Australasia.
Students were then guided through a behind-the-scenes hotel tour before breaking into three interactive workshops, each led by a panel of Hilton experts.
Sessions covered career pathways and employability, Travel With Purpose sustainability initiatives, and the future of hospitality technology, operations, and guest experience.
Fiona Pryde, General Manager of Hilton Surfers Paradise, said the program reflects Hilton’s belief that meaningful hospitality extends far beyond hotel walls.
“Hospitality really can change lives, and this event reflects exactly that,” said Pryde. “By opening our doors to future talent, we are not only sharing what makes this industry extraordinary but also empowering students to see a long-term, purpose-driven career in hospitality.”
“When young people understand the scale of opportunity, the global pathways and the genuine community impact they can make, everything about this industry becomes more inspiring.”
Students engaged directly with Hilton leaders from operations, sustainability, commercial strategy, food and beverage, and human resources.
The format encouraged candid questions and open conversation, allowing emerging professionals to hear real stories about resilience, innovation, and career progression.
The program also offered insight into Hilton’s global impact milestones, including the creation of more than 970,000 learning and career opportunities in 2024 and the brand’s continued leadership in responsible business, sustainability, and community resilience.
According to Pryde, initiatives like this are crucial for building the industry’s future pipeline.
“Travel With Purpose is not simply a program, it is a mindset that shapes how we show up for our people, our guests and our communities every day,” she said.
“Our hope is that experiences like this ignite curiosity and confidence in students who may not have previously considered hospitality.”
“We want them to feel the energy, the creativity and the sense of belonging that comes with building a career at Hilton.”
The event also strengthened Hilton’s relationship with Queensland’s tertiary sector, reinforcing its role as a leading employer of choice for graduates seeking practical experience and long-term career progression.
For the participating students, the day offered a rare glimpse into the operations of a major hotel and the opportunity to meet leaders whose careers reflect the diversity and global mobility of the hospitality profession across Australasia.
Hilton Surfers Paradise plans to continue expanding its community and education initiatives, building on the momentum of this year’s program.
As the industry evolves with increasing focus on sustainability, technology integration and guest-centric design, Hilton remains committed to fostering the next generation of talent who will shape its future.
For Hilton, the purpose is clear, and the pathway is open.
Through events like this one, the company continues to champion opportunity, inspire connection and use hospitality as a powerful force for good.
