ISTANBUL & CAPPADOCIA, Turkey, 15 January, 2010: Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of two franchise agreements for Doubletree by Hilton hotels in Turkey. One of the new hotels will be located in Istanbul and a second in Cappadocia and are anticipated to open in mid 2010. This latest announcement marks Doubletree by Hilton�s entry into the Turkish market, the continued growth of Hilton Worldwide in Europe, and the further development success of the upscale, full-service Doubletree by Hilton brand.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President Development Europe & Africa, said: �This latest signing of two Doubletree by Hilton hotels is particularly significant as it marks the debut in Turkey of this growing worldwide brand. Hilton Worldwide already has nine hotels in operation in Turkey and we are delighted to be adding more properties in 2010, adding to the significant development momentum in this exciting market. We believe these first Doubletree by Hilton hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia will be the first of many in Turkey.�

With these latest signings, Hilton Worldwide now has a total of 15 hotels in the pipeline, across its portfolio of brands in Turkey. The company has its sights set on continued strategic growth in the country. 

Rob Palleschi, Global Head for Doubletree by Hilton hotels, commented: �These latest Doubletree by Hilton developments in Turkey represent another positive year for our brand�s global expansion. With nearly 20 Doubletree by Hilton hotels now open or in the development pipeline in Europe and 225 hotels welcoming guests around the world, these outstanding hotel projects continue to reinforce the potential benefits for owners and developers of current and new-build hotel projects to become affiliated with Hilton Worldwide and the Doubletree by Hilton brand.�

Doubletree by Hilton, Avanos-Cappadocia - owned by Ata Turizm Isletmecilik Tasimacilik Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti, will offer 126 bedrooms, meeting facilities, a restaurant, bars, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a spa.  This hotel conversion will see a freshly refurbished hotel provide internationally recognised and branded accommodation in one of the world�s greatest historical sites, which is famous for its ancient carvings, traditional Cappadocia dwellings and outstanding natural beauty.

Doubletree by Hilton, Istanbul-Old City - owned by Erpet Turizm Insaat Taahhut Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S, will offer 172 bedrooms, meeting facilities, restaurant, lobby and rooftop bars, fitness and Turkish sauna facilities. Located in the Old Peninsula area of Istanbul, the new build hotel will be in the heart of the city�s historic, cultural and commercial district and will be located close to major tourism destinations such as the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the historic Istanbul University building. 

Doubletree by Hilton is a proud member of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels with a fast-growing network that spans more than 200 locations around the world.  Some Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand�s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors loyalty programme and a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate. Doubletree by Hilton believes in a set of business values that make their hotels a desirable place for employees to work and a satisfying place for travelers to stay.
Hilton Worldwide has six Hilton Garden Inn hotels under construction in Turkey and agreements signed on a further five. These are in addition to the nine hotels that the company currently operates in Turkey, eight Hilton hotels and one Conrad hotel: Conrad Istanbul, Mersin HiltonSA, Hilton Kayseri, Hilton Izmir, Hilton ParkSA Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul, Ankara HiltonSA, Adana HiltonSA and the Hilton Dalaman Resort & Spa which opened in 2009.

About Owners

Ata Turizm Isletmecilik Tasimacilik Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti � is a Turkish owned company, with existing leisure and tourism interests in the region.

Erpet Turizm Insaat Taahhut Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S - is a Turkish owned company which has business interests in both construction and manufacturing.

About Doubletree by Hilton Hotels
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 200 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, Doubletree by Hilton hotels and resorts are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today�s business and leisure travelers.  From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand�s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest reward programme, each Doubletree guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them.  For more information on Doubletree by Hilton, please visit www.doubletree.com.  

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 travelers 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 3,500 hotels in 81 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 program Hilton HHonors.  For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.