DUBAI, UAE and MCLEAN, VA – May 31, 2011 - Hilton Hotels & Resorts today expanded its global portfolio to 78 countries with the opening of its first hotel in Equatorial Guinea - Hilton Malabo. Located between Equatorial Guinea’s capital city and the International Airport, Hilton Malabo features 187-rooms, including 12 suites. The opening marks the second new country entered by the brand in three days following the opening of Hilton Windhoek in Namibia on May 28.

“The opening of Hilton Malabo continues our commitment to growth in this region and our focus on leading in emerging markets worldwide. We are committed to unlocking the potential of this ever-growing region and the opening of our new property underlines Hilton’s commitment to growth on the continent,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Hilton Malabo offers two restaurants and a bar, whilst recreation facilities include a Hilton Fitness by Precor fitness centre, tennis court and outdoor swimming pool with its own pool bar and grill. The hotel has a dedicated conference wing with six multipurpose meeting rooms, a boardroom, a ballroom that seats more than 450 people and a fully-equipped business centre.

“Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, is developing at a steady pace as improvements to infrastructure and the discovery of natural resources continues to attract foreign investment. The country’s emergence as a business destination means there is an increasing need for full-service hotels that offer the accommodation, service and amenities that business travellers are looking for,” said Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide.

The opening of Hilton Malabo follows the recent opening of Hilton Windhoek, the first Hilton Hotels& Resorts hotel in Namibia. Hilton Worldwide now has 51 hotels across the Middle East and Africa – seven of which have opened this year.

For more information about Hilton Windhoek and to access images, visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/malabo.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
The most recognized name in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 540 hotels in 78 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.comor begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltononline, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton.

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 92 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. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82 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®. For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.
The company currently operates 51 hotels in Middle East & Africa – 17 hotels in Egypt, nine hotels in the UAE, six in Saudi Arabia and one each in Oman and Kuwait, plus another 12 hotels in Africa and the 3 hotels in the Indian Ocean.

Hilton Worldwide has a signed development pipeline of an additional 35 properties across Middle East & Africa in the U.A.E, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Uganda, Nigeria and Cape Verde.