Conrad Hotels, the brand jointly operated by Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) and Hilton International, is to become one of the world’s largest luxury hotel brands.

Conrad currently has 17 hotels and resorts around the world, but has announced plans which could see up to 50 Conrad properties in operation by 2010.

HHC and Hilton International announced that they would continue to expand the portfolio by securing management contracts and said discussions to acquire a number of sites around the world are progressing.

Steve Bollenbach, chief executive of HHC, said: “With Conrad’s existing track record and the interest we have seen from developers for future projects, we are optimistic that we can achieve our goal of having 50 Conrad hotels by 2010.

“There is, I believe, a growing demand for the high quality and excellent service which are the hallmark of Conrad Hotels and foresee steady expansion over the next few years.”

Hilton has also appointed former HHC president Dieter Huckstein to lead operations as the new chief executive of Conrad.

Bollenbach said: “Dieter has spent 30 years in the hotel industry and his international experience makes him uniquely qualified to take on this important new assignment.”