HILTON Worldwide revealed the extent of its growth across Middle East and Africa (MEA) with the unveiling of figures showing a spectacular 440 per cent increase to its pipeline from 2007 to present day.
The data, which was taken from December 31, 2007 to March 31, 2013, sets out the company’s pipeline expansion in 2007 from 13 hotels with 3,570 rooms to today’s figure of nearly 60 properties, representing nearly 20,000 rooms which are now in development across MEA.
Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, MEA, said: “The figures clearly validate just how rapidly we are expanding and, possibly more significant, just how important this region is to Hilton Worldwide. We have been operating in the Middle East for over 50 years and we have developed a unique insight into the diverse and distinct requirements of the region and the needs of its visitors.
“I believe the appeal of our brands is underpinned by this deep understanding allowing us to deliver exceptional service standards, efficient operations and unwavering commitment to our partners, and the local communities in which we operate.”
To meet the demands of the region, Hilton Worldwide Middle East and Africa has developed a wide range of brands to serve a broad cross section of traveller needs from luxury brands such as Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts and Conrad Hotels and Resorts to full service brands including Hilton Hotels and Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton and the mid-market hotel brand, Hilton Garden Inn.
Throughout 2013, Hilton Worldwide will continue its expansion introducing two of its leading luxury brands, Conrad Dubai and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, into the UAE for the first time. In addition, the company will increase its presence in Qatar and expects to open two DoubleTree by Hilton properties in Dubai.
“We are on course to double our MEA portfolio within the next three years,” Jagersbacher said. “We already boast the largest and most active hotel pipeline in the region and we are working hard to implement strategies to recruit and train the thousands of new staff members that will be needed to service this growth.”
The company recently signed an agreement with Mawten Hospitality to introduce its first dual-branded property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The single-site development – for a 260-room Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh – Financial District and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Riyadh – Financial District offering 110 serviced apartments – will be located north of Riyadh close to King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
Currently under construction, KAFD will be home to many leading international banks, financial institutions and legal firms and include around 40 multi-use towers which are set to redefine the skyline of the Saudi capital.
With this announcement, Hilton Worldwide’s Saudi Arabia development programme of 20 hotels and over 7,000 additional rooms is the largest of any international hospitality provider. Hilton Worldwide’s Saudi pipeline also makes up almost one third of the company’s total development programme for Middle East and Africa, currently the largest in the region at 59 properties.