ISTANBUL - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of development agreements to open four new hotels in locations across Turkey, taking its development pipeline to 13, and the number of hotels, either operating or under development in the country, to 33. The announcement was made during the 2012 Central Asia and Turkey Investment Conference (CATHIC).

Simon Vincent, area president, Europe, Hilton Worldwide, said, "Over the last year we have opened a record number of hotels across Turkey. In the last few months alone we have opened our first Hampton by Hilton and fifth Hilton Garden Inn, extending our portfolio of brands and globally renowned hospitality. Momentum will continue this year with the substantial refurbishment of the Conrad Istanbul, as well as the opening of a further 10 hotels. By the end of 2013 we expect to have 33 hotels operating in Turkey, and we see further opportunity to expand our presence in what is undoubtedly one of Europe's key development markets."

The news follows a record year which saw Hilton Worldwide open eight hotels in Turkey, with 10 expected to open in the coming 12 months under the company's upscale Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton brands, and its mid-scale Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton brands. Globally, Hilton Worldwide has become the fastest growing major hotel company, expanding its portfolio by 29 percent since June 2007 and surpassing its competitors in total rate of room growth.[i]

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, "With Turkey accounting for 5% of all Hilton Worldwide global openings in 2011, record numbers of international visitors have helped fuel the rapid expansion of Hilton Worldwide. Turkey continues to be one of our strategic development markets and we're delighted to announce four new hotel signings today, helping increase our presence in what is a dynamic, growing market."

DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi - Expected to open in late 2013, the hotel will be in a prime position in the centre of the historic resort town of Kusadasi, and will consist of both new build and historic buildings. Joining the portfolio following the signing of a franchise agreement with Goctur Turizm Yatirim ve Ticaret A.S, DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi will feature 88 bedrooms and suites, all with balconies. The hotel will provide several café, restaurant and bar options including a specialty rooftop restaurant, a spa and health club with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and approximately 385 square metres of event space.

DoubleTree by Hilton Malatya - This new build hotel is expected to open in late 2012 and will be in a prime location in the centre of Malatya, in close proximity to the Town Hall and a premium shopping mall. DoubleTree by Hilton Malatya will feature 157 bedrooms, an all-day dining restaurant and lobby bar, spa and health club, as well as significant events space of more than 1000 square meters. The hotel will join the portfolio following the signing of a management agreement with MGG Malatya Girisim Grubu Tekstil Turizm Enerji Insaat ve Ticaret A.S.

Hampton by Hilton Samsun - Expected to open in early 2013, this 144-bedroom hotel will be located on the Black Sea Coastal Highway, within easy reach of Samsun city centre. Hampton by Hilton Samsun joins the portfolio following the signing of a franchise agreement with Umsa Otelcilik Turizm ve Insaat Sanayi Ticaret A.S.

Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Atakoy - This new hotel is expected to open in early 2014 and will be located approximately three kilometres from Istanbul Ataturk Airport in the Atakoy district. Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Atakoy will offer 89 bedrooms as well as two meeting rooms. The hotel joins the portfolio following the signing of a franchise agreement with Adalet Turan.

Guests of the new DoubleTree by Hilton locations in Kusadasi and Malatya will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at more than 280 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels and resorts in 23 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand's legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest upon check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community. DoubleTree by Hilton currently has four Turkey locations welcoming the world's travelers in Ankara, Avanos-Cappadocia and Istanbul (2 locations).

Guests of Hampton by Hilton in Turkey will experience the brand's signature offerings, such as a stylish lobby, free high-speed internet access throughout, working zone and flexible bedrooms all featuring the comfy Hampton Bed. Additional guest amenities include the hot breakfast, a 24-hour snack area, and a bar area to help guests connect after meetings.

In addition, travelers to Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels in Turkey can earn both Point & Miles® when they join Hilton HHonors, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn both Points & Miles for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,800 hotels worldwide.

Across a portfolio of five brands, Hilton Worldwide currently operates more than 5,000 bedrooms over 20 hotels in Turkey. In the coming months, Hilton Worldwide looks forward to welcoming Hilton and Hampton by Hilton Bursa, the company's second dual-branded hotel in Europe.

[1] STR Global - Census; Hilton Worldwide statements based on Q4 2011 company financial reports and figures include timeshare properties

Hilton Worldwide's Turkish portfolio currently includes the luxury Conrad Istanbul; the full-service Adana HiltonSA, Ankara HiltonSA, Mersin HiltonSA, Hilton Istanbul, Hilton ParkSA Istanbul, Hilton Izmir, Hilton Kayseri, Hilton Dalaman Resort & Spa, and Hilton Bodrum Turkbuku Resort & Spa; the full-service DoubleTree by Hilton Ankara - Kolej, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos - Cappadocia, DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Old Town, and DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Moda; the focused-service Hilton Garden Inn Kutahya, Hilton Garden Inn Konya, Hilton Garden Inn Sanliurfa, Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Golden Horn and Hilton Garden Inn Mardin; and the economy Hampton by Hilton Ordu.

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 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered 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. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 88 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

About DoubleTree
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 240 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travellers. 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 by Hilton guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. To find out information about any DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, travellers may visit our website at www.DoubleTree.com or contact their preferred travel professional.

About Hampton Hotels
The Hampton brand, including Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton, is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment. With more than 1,800 properties globally, Hampton Hotels is part of Hilton Worldwide, the leading global hospitality company. All Hampton Hotels offer warm surroundings and a friendly service culture that share a common “personality” supported by the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. High-quality accommodations, in-room conveniences and the latest technology, combined with numerous locations and consistent offerings, have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest growing hotel brands. For more information about Hampton Hotels, please visit www.hampton.com/pressandmedia, www.facebook.com/Hampton or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HamptonFYI.