Hilton opens new international sales office in Riyadh

"I am very excited to have been appointed to this new position as part of the International Sales operations in Saudi Arabia," explained Fouad Bizri. "With the opening of 33 Hilton hotels in 2001, Hilton International has ambitious expansion plans and the new office aims to generate business for the region's outgoing traffic and coordinate sales of Hilton worldwide."

Hilton International, which currently operates over 370 hotels in more than 70 countries, is currently undertaking a global expansion program. In the Middle East, Hilton will launch five hotels by the end of 2001 including the recently opened 414-room Jeddah Hilton which offers some of the largest and most up-to-date banquet and conferencing facilities in the country, a choice of six restaurants, a business centre, a shopping arcade, the Hiltonia Beach Club and internet access in every room.

"This is a very exciting time for Hilton International world-wide, and I believe that outgoing business and leisure traffic will increase from the region as Hilton continues to build on the rich heritage of one of the world's leading hotel brands and offer new and exciting hotel experiences," he added.

With more than 12 years of experience in the hotel and tourism industry in the Gulf, US educated Fouad Bizri has worked for several international chains including Hilton International and Inter-Continental. Most recently he spent five years as Director of Sales for the Al Bustan Residence in Dubai before returning to Hilton as Director of International Sales three months ago.