Nov 14 (Reuters) - Hilton Worldwide ( HLT ) said on

Thursday it had authorized the repurchase of an additional $3.5

billion worth of common stock under the hotel giant's existing

repurchase program.

This brings the total amount currently authorized for future

repurchases by Hilton to about $4.8 billion.

The move comes days after the company lowered its forecasts

for annual room revenue growth and net income as weaker demand

in China and disruptions to its U.S. business dulled the gains

from steady demand in Europe and business travel.

Strong international travel demand has driven Hilton's

shares more than 38% higher since the start of the year.