Hilton to develop 11 new properties across the Middle East

The announcement comes ahead of the opening of the new Hilton Kuwait Resort in June and the development of six new properties in Egypt, as well as a further two each in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

"The Middle East region is experiencing strong growth, both as a business and leisure destination, and we are pleased to be opening Hilton Kuwait and announcing plans for Qatar as both countries are developing rapidly," said Rudi Jagersbacher, Hilton International's Vice President for Operations in the Arabian Gulf, at the company's press conference during the Arabian Travel Market.

Hilton signed an agreement to develop the Qatar property, expected to open in 2004, with Doha Hotels Co. on behalf of the hotel's owner Sheikh Saoud bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani.

"Hilton has proven repeatedly that it can enter a market and create a landmark property that attracts both business and leisure travellers. We are pleased to be part of the Hilton family and look forward to working with them in Doha," said Nadir Badruddin, Managing Director of Doha Hotels Co.

The last two years have proved successful for Hilton International. With the opening of five new hotels in the region, Hilton's property portfolio has expanded by 40 per cent in line with an ongoing strategy to be present in every major city in the Middle East. Hilton is evaluating plans to broaden its offer to the market by establishing hotels in the midmarket segment, utilizing the Scandic brand, and also in the five star deluxe segment where a number of Conrad branded hotels are already established.

"We are moving forward strongly and confidently with new projects across the Middle East and globally, and we will utilise the strong hotel brands available in our portfolio to further broaden our offer to the market and expand our market share," said Gunnar Brandberg, Vice President Business Development, Middle East & Asia Pacific.

Expansion across the region includes the opening of six new properties in Egypt, including two resorts in the Sinai and Hilton's first hotel in Alexandria scheduled to open by the end of the year. Hilton will also introduce two new properties in Beirut over the next coming years. Expansion in Saudi Arabia includes the luxurious Hilton Jeddah Palace, which is attached to Hilton Jeddah and will offer private luxury suites suitable for visiting dignitaries. Hilton is also looking at various projects in Makkah, the Holy City.

"We have a strong presence in Saudi Arabia and with the approaching Umrah season we can offer visitors good facilities in the key cities of Makkah, Medinah and Jeddah," said Guy Epsom, Regional Director Sales & Marketing Arabian Gulf. "We are offering special rates for pilgrims from the GCC this season and see this as a growing market."

Hilton is also introducing a new summer promotion this year, "Great Family Escapes," where children travelling with their parents can stay and dine for free at eight Hilton properties in the Gulf. In addition, the "Hilton For Free" promotion is returning for the sixth time offering Hilton guests up to three free nights stay in a number of Hilton hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

"Great Family Escapes is an excellent opportunity for families to make the most of a holiday break in the Gulf and we expect it to drive strong business to our regional properties during the quieter summer months. Both promotions offer existing and new Hilton guests a good opportunity to sample the Hilton experience," added Epsom.

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