New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS): Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, has been ranked the No.1 international hotel brand in India in a survey of business travellers conducted by British market research agency BDRC Continental.

In the survey that tracks the brand performance of 102 hotel brands in India, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been rated ahead of all international hotel brands, a company statement said Tuesday.

Additionally, Hilton Hotels & Resorts retained its position as the number one business hotel brand in Asia Pacific in the BDRC Continental Asia Pacific Hotel Guest Survey 2011 that provides an overall regional perspective.

Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said: "Our first place ranking in India as we continue our rapid expansion in the country is a testament to our team members' passion and commitment to delivering on our brand promise - to ensure every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. We appreciate the high regard and trust that travellers continue to place in Hilton both throughout India and around the world."

Lenny Menezes, chairman, India, Hilton Worldwide, said: "This ranking will give further impetus to our development efforts. We have more than doubled our trading estate in 2011 by opening five hotels in India this year, and we plan to launch five more hotels within the next eight months. At the current pace, we hope to triple our presence in the country in the next two years."

The BDRC Continental Survey is a syndicated study that reviews the responses of travellers who have stayed on business in hotels of at least three-star rating or equivalent in the past 12 months.

To review the performance of brands BDRC Continental prepared a hotel Brand Ranking Index that takes account of the following indicators - unprompted and prompted awareness, usage in the past year in India or abroad, leading choice, loyalty and intent to recommend.