Hilton has confirmed its long-awaited debut in Australia's national capital with the signing of a franchise agreement for Hilton Canberra Manuka. The 184-room property, slated to open in early 2027 at 15–17 Franklin Street in the upscale Manuka precinct, will be developed by ICC Development Group, a private investment vehicle led by Mrs. Liangis.
Positioned opposite the Manuka Oval sports ground, the hotel is designed to capture a broad mix of demand: government delegations heading to Parliament House, corporate travelers on business, and leisure visitors exploring the city's cultural institutions. The location also places guests within easy reach of the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Questacon, the national science and technology centre.
Facilities and employment impact
The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant and bar, an executive lounge, a ballroom, and a wellness floor with fitness equipment, a sauna, and a swimming pool. These amenities are intended to position the property for both business events and leisure stays, a dual focus that Hilton says reflects the capital's evolving travel profile.
Beyond the hotel itself, the wider Manuka development will add more dining venues and a cinema, enhancing the precinct's appeal as a destination. The project is expected to generate approximately 100–120 permanent jobs, with additional economic benefits flowing from visitor spending and local procurement.
Tushar Raniga, Hilton's director of development for Australasia, called the signing a milestone in the group's regional expansion. "The signing of Hilton Canberra Manuka represents an important milestone in Hilton's growth across Australasia and brings our flagship brand to Australia's national capital," he said.
Harrold Dakin, CEO of ICC Development Group, underscored the scale of the investment. "Hilton Canberra Manuka represents a significant private investment by Mrs Liangis in Canberra's tourism and hospitality sector," he noted.
The property will join Hilton Honors, the group's loyalty program, giving members access to exclusive benefits and reinforcing Hilton's strategy of expanding its footprint in key government and leisure markets. The move also aligns with broader industry trends highlighted in Hilton's 2027 report, which points to travelers seeking flexibility, growth, and trust in their accommodation choices.
Canberra has seen a steady increase in business events and government-related travel, and the new hotel is expected to cater to that demand. The city's connectivity is also improving: FlixBus has announced plans to link Western Sydney Airport with Canberra from October 2026, which could boost leisure arrivals. Meanwhile, the capital's cultural and culinary scene continues to evolve, with gastronomic tourism gaining momentum as travelers prioritize local flavors and wellness experiences.
Hilton's entry into Canberra fills a notable gap in its Australasian portfolio, which already includes properties in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. The company has been expanding aggressively across the region, and this signing underscores its commitment to covering all major Australian cities.
For travel agents and corporate bookers, the new property will offer a familiar brand standard in a market that has historically been dominated by other international chains. The hotel's location near Parliament House and its meeting facilities are likely to make it a strong contender for government and association events.
Construction is expected to begin shortly, with the hotel welcoming its first guests in early 2027. Until then, Hilton continues to grow its pipeline in Australia and New Zealand, with several other projects in the works.
