2012 spells success for Hilton Worldwide with largest active property pipeline in MEA

For most of 2012, the company led the industry in terms of the number of MEA hospitality pipeline rooms in the "in construction" phase and, according to the latest figures from STR Global for December, Hilton Worldwide secured its first-place position with 14.3% of properties progressing towards completion.

With 12,349 rooms in 35 properties in active construction, Hilton Worldwide will be aggressively expanding its presence in the MEA region in the next two-three years. In 2012, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the company's flagship brand, entered Lebanon and Qatar with the openings of Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand, Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace and Hilton Doha. In addition, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, the company's luxury, contemporary brand opened its first hotel in South Africa with the introduction of Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa.

"I am proud to close the year with a strong network of 60 operational hotels as well as a healthy and active pipeline that will give us significant growth in the next few years. The STR Global results reflect the steady realisation of our pipeline and underscores our commitment to delivering on our promises to our owners, guests and the local community alike," stated Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, MEA.

In the last 12 months, Hilton Worldwide MEA has approved 16 new deals across four of the five brands operating in the region. Notable markets to join the development portfolio in 2012 include a dual signing in Morocco with Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences and Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Center, a second pipeline property for Iraq with Hilton Erbil Hotel & Spa and two signings to introduce the DoubleTree brand into South Africa and the Seychelles Islands.

2013, in particular, will continue the brand expansion and diversification with the launch of two luxury brands in the UAE with Conrad Dubai and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah as well as the introduction of the first Hilton Garden Inn into Qatar and a new market opening in the Dead Sea, Jordan for Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

"We have been part of the MEA hospitality industry for 50 years now and our enduring appeal is underpinned by our exceptional service standards, efficient operations, unwavering commitment to our partners and the local community as well as our ambitious expansion path. With multiple openings and many more signings to look forward to, we aim to make 2013 a year for strengthening bonds with all our stakeholders while continuing to move ahead on our regional growth," stated Jagersbacher.