New Hilton family of brands opens up expansion opportunities in the Middle East

This opens up expansion opportunities for the ten Hilton Family of Brands in all parts of the world including the Middle East and will offer even more choice to guests - a point which was addressed by Hilton International's Vice President for the Arabian Peninsula, Rudi Jagersbacher, at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and at the company's Arabian Travel Market (ATM) press conference.

The travel and tourism market within the Middle East is one of the world's fastest growing, and the re-unification of the two companies comes at an ideal time for investors and customers alike. Hotel revenues are unrivalled, with occupancy rates across the Middle East reaching an all time high of 70 percent, according to the latest global ranking index by HotelBenchmark. With the tremendous growth potential in the region, Hilton recently established a development division for the Middle East with headquarters in Dubai.

Hilton and its extended family; Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Scandic and Hilton Grand Vacations Club will be available to an even wider audience and will see a marked growth potential in many markets, both new and established.

Jagersbacher described the venture as a great opportunity. "This part of the world is now the hub of travel and tourism and we have identified the demands that are, and will continue to be, put on the Middle East. This acquisition is a hugely exciting prospect for us, for the region and, of course, for our customers. The individual areas of excellence from the two companies are now combined to establish Hilton as a world leader in a world market."

The many significant travel hotspots in the local market combined with the new company will also provide the perfect opportunity to meet the increasing demand that is coming into the region.

Oman and Qatar are two countries clamouring for the title of coolest destination. Both have seen unprecedented growth in recent years, with room occupancies spiralling and projected visitor numbers standing at an all time high. With its Hilton Salalah Resort and the opening of the spectacular Hilton Doha next year (2007), the company is ideally placed to capitalise on the growing trend.

HI currently has contracts for 58 hotels with 14,000 rooms and HHC has a projected development of a further 64,000 rooms across 520 hotels, which emphasises the confidence and belief in the Hilton brand.

While Hilton has an unrivalled reputation in terms of quality and excellence, affordability is also a primary factor in the increased tourism trend.

"With this acquisition, our customers looking for a mid-market hotel will now have an even wider choice of venues while still offering the same quality of value. Providing for, and accommodating this emerging sector of travellers will not only fill a gap in the market, but will spur intra-regional and inbound travel,"

said Ivor McBurney, the newly appointed Senior Director of Development, Hilton International, Middle East.

The introduction of ten distinct brands will inevitably offer the customer much greater choice and flexibility. Hilton has identified a growing need for mixed-use hotel developments, with plans to reflect the exciting lodging prospect of serviced apartments.

At the top end of the scale, guests will experience the ultimate in luxury living, with the opening of Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Hilton's very first palace hotel will open its doors to guests on May 15th this year. With its 46 super-opulent suites, the renowned Bice restaurant and exclusive butler service, Qasr Al Sharq will position Hilton as the market leader in the Kingdom, as well as meeting customer demand.

Holidaymakers will also encounter an unrivalled stay at Hilton's eagerly awaited Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, the first phase of which will open in December. Located in one of the fastest growing leisure destinations in the UAE, visitors will be accommodated in exquisite Arabesque villas, set amidst an unrivalled scenic backdrop.

Other regional property developments include the Hilton Jumeirah Beach Club in Dubai opening next year (2007) and in 2008, for the first time in the region, visitors to the UAE will also be able to enjoy a stay at the 400-room Conrad Dubai, the first Conrad in the Gulf.

Looking further afield, Hilton has a number of very exciting developments in place across the Middle East. The 158-room boutique Hilton Beirut in Lebanon is due to open later this year (2006). Meanwhile, work is underway on the spectacular 485-room Hilton Heliopolis in Egypt, near Cairo airport scheduled for a 2007 opening. The following year (2008), Hilton will launch its very first Scandic hotel in the Middle East, with the 426-room Scandic Heliopolis also in Cairo, Egypt. That is in addition to the opening of the 590-room Hilton Amman, marking the company's entry into Jordan.

The Hilton stand at ATM is located in the Dubai World Trade Centre, Hall 1, Stand 1275.