DUBAI, UAE and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with Pride of Africa Hospitality (Pty) Ltd, Africa Pride Hospitality (Pty) Ltd and United Africa Group (Pty) Ltd for the first Hilton property in Namibia. 

The 154-room new build Hilton Windhoek in Namibia's capital city is scheduled to open mid-2010. Located in the heart of Windhoek on the main square and facing Namibia's Supreme Court, the hotel is part of a mixed-use development including a casino, retail outlets, residential housing and office space. Hosea Kutako International Airport is 42 kilometres east of the city.

"With tourist arrivals in Africa expected to increase at a higher rate than the global average, we are on the right track with our Africa expansion strategy. Our goal has always been to have a Hilton property in every capital city around the world, so we are delighted to have signed this management agreement for Hilton Windhoek, marking our entry into Namibia. The hotel is already under construction and is set to open middle of next year," said Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, Hilton Worldwide, Europe & Africa.

The hotel promises guests a distinctive hospitality experience that has been the trademark of Hilton Hotels worldwide, and will feature all day dining and specialty restaurants, a lobby bar, meeting facilities, an executive lounge, as well as a swimming pool and spa.

"We are excited to bring our style, world class service and directional approach to Namibia and specifically Windhoek, a new country and capital city for us. Hilton is our company's flagship brand and serves more countries than any other full service hotel brand. We are proud to welcome guests in capital cities around the world," said Dave Horton, Global Head, Hilton Hotels.

Namibia is bordered by five countries; South Africa in the south, Angola and Zambia in the north, with Botswana and Zimbabwe in the east. The Atlantic Ocean is located to the west. Tourism is one of the largest contributors to the country's GDP alongside, mining, fishing and agriculture. Namibia offers travellers exotic wildlife, scenic beauty, as well as sport and adventure activities.
"Our dream to build the first globally branded hotel in Namibia is now being realised, with the signing of this management agreement between United Africa Group and Hilton Worldwide. We wanted to work with a globally recognised hotel brand that matches our ambition to provide world-class hotel facilities and services. Hilton was a natural first choice. We are delighted to be working together, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship," said Haddis Tilahun, CEO, United Africa Group.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our brands are comprised of more than 3,400 hotels in 79 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward programme Hilton HHonors. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.