Hilton to open 10 new properties in the Middle East

Speaking at a press conference today at Arabian Travel Market 2004, Rudi Jagersbacher, Hilton International's Vice President, Arabian Peninsula, said, "We have just agreed to manage our second property in Ras Al Khaimah on the beachfront, while we will also be running the golf club and spa for the Tower Links golf course. In addition, we will be adding two more hotels to our Arabian Peninsula portfolio - the super-luxurious 54-suite property, Jeddah Hilton Palace, which opens shortly, and the spectacular 324-room new build Hilton Doha in 2006."

Meanwhile, Hilton has seven more hotels opening in Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco over the next two years. On a more global scale, developments are planned in India, Asia Pacific, Australia, Europe, Americas and the Caribbean.

"Our regional success can be measured through BDRC's Middle East Business Guest Survey - which demonstrates that Hilton has reinforced and steadily elevated its brand position, rising from No. 5 to No. 2 hotel brand in the last year alone. Furthermore, over one in four business travellers have nominated Hilton as either their first or second choice hotel brand. And the good news continues in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt where Hilton is now the top or equal leading choice brand," continued Jagersbacher.

Hilton has for the second consecutive year joined forces with card giant Visa International for their popular and successful summer holiday programme, 'Hilton For Free' - which promises to be bigger and better than ever before - featuring 135 luxurious hotels in 45 spectacular destinations around the world. This year, Hilton welcomes the Conrad brand of luxury hotels, who are participating in the promotion for the first time.

"We are hosting Conrad Hotels on our new-look two storey stand for the first time, while also welcoming British Airways to the fold as one of our key strategic partners. The Gulf is one of the fastest growing leisure and business destinations worldwide. We have a deep-rooted commitment to the Middle East and a unique understanding of the needs of Arab travellers," said Guy Epsom, Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Hilton International, Arabian Peninsula.

The new Hilton Beach Club Ras Al Khaimah which is set to open towards the end of next year, will feature 120 standard rooms, and 82 chalets with private terraces. The regional portfolio continues to grow steadily, with Hilton extending its presence in Lebanon and Morocco with new properties in Beirut and Casablanca. Egypt alone will see five new openings - Hurghada Long Beach, Sharm Nabq, Ain El Sokhna, Marsa Alam Coral Beach Resort and Heliopolis.