By David Agba
Abuja
Hilton has committed a total of $50 million over the next five years towards the Hilton Africa Growth Initiative to support the continued expansion of its SubSaharan African portfolio.
These funds are intended to support the conversion of around 100 hotels (roughly 20,000 rooms) in multiple African markets into Hilton branded properties, namely into its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, the upscale Double Tree by Hilton and the recently launched Curio Collection by Hilton.
Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Patrick Fitzgibbon said: “Hilton remains committed to growth in Africa having been present on the continent for more than 50 years.
Th e model of converting existing hotels into Hilton branded properties has proved highly successful in a variety of markets and we expect to see great opportunities to convert hotels to Hilton brands through this initiative.
” “It enables us to rapidly grow our portfolio and delivers returns for owners by increasing exposure of their business to more international, inter-regional and domestic travellers, and specifi cally to our 65 million-plus Hilton Honors members, who look to stay with us in our suite of industry-leading brands.
We see huge potential here in key cities and airports, as well as allowing us to develop our off ering in resorts and safari lodges.
” These hotels will receive all the benefi ts associated with Hilton’s industry-leading brand proposition and world-class commercial platforms.
Guests will also be able to take advantage of Hilton’s innovative technology platforms such as online checkin and the ability to choose individual rooms when booking via the Hilton Honors App.
Fitzgibbon added: “Th e range of brands we have at our disposal allows owners the fl exibility to pick the right fi t for their property.
We have already deployed this initiative in the signing of two hotels: our fi rst DoubleTree by Hilton property in Kenya, and our fi rst hotel in Rwanda, and expect to be able to announce further additions before the end of this year.
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