DUBAI, U.A.E and MCLEAN,
Va. - Hilton Worldwide has signed a management
agreement with Salim Group Inc for the 195-room Hilton N'Djamena, the
first Hilton
Hotels
& Resorts property in Chad."Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the global leader of hospitality and we look forward to welcoming the world's travellers to Chad. This hotel will deliver the standards, quality and authentic hospitality guests expect from our brand and Hilton Worldwide," said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.
As the commercial, financial and educational centre of the Republic of Chad, N'Djamena attracts high numbers of government visitors and overseas business travellers, particularly those from the energy sector. Tourist numbers are also rising, with travellers seeking out the country's natural attractions including the Ennedi desert, Tibesti Mountains, Lake Chad and the world famous 3000-sq km Zakhouma National Park, described as one of the last bastions for wildlife in central Africa.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe and Africa, for Hilton Worldwide said, "Africa is an exciting continent with greater than ever numbers of business and leisure travellers. Hilton Worldwide aims to have a hotel in every key city on the African continent. With the development of this hotel, we will have a presence in 14 African countries providing a great network for our guests."
The hotel, which is expected to open in 2013, will boast a health club, business centre, banqueting hall, swimming pool and four restaurants.
Emil Youssefzadeh, chairman of the Salim Group said "I'm delighted to be working with such a prestigious and globally recognised brand as Hilton Hotels & Resorts. This partnership is a significant development for our group and we are looking forward to creating a truly impressive landmark property for not only the city, but also the country."
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Chad is ranked as one of the top 10 destinations expected to see the most rapid tourism growth between 2008 and 2018. It is reported that one in 33 Chad workers will be employed in travel and tourism by 2021.
Hilton Worldwide currently has 34 hotels across the continent of Africa with another seven in the development pipeline. So far this year, Hilton Worldwide has opened eight hotels and signed 13 management agreements across the Middle East and Africa.
View a list of Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties scheduled to open in 2011 at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/openings. To acccess an interactive map displaying the Hilton Hotels & Resorts development pipeline visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/map.
About Salim Group, Inc.
Salim Group, based in California, USA, is a holding company with interests in real estate and industrial projects in the Middle East and Africa. The group currently has subsidiaries in the UAE and Chad and is active in the central African region.
About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of 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.com or 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. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide's ten market-leading brands.
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 3,750 hotels and 615,000 rooms in 84 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.