Hilton is pumping $50 million towards is growth in Africa over the next five years as it expands its sub-Saharan Africa portfolio.
The money will be used to help convert around 100 hotels (providing roughly 20,000 rooms) in multiple African markets into Hilton branded properties, including its Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, DoubleTree by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton.
Two hotels – which will both be DoubleTree’s – have already been signed by Hilton.
The Amber Hotel on Kenyan capital Nairobi’s Ngong Road will become DoubleTree by Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham and the Ubumwe Grande Hotel in central Kigali, Rwanda, will become DoubleTree by Hilton Kigali City Centre.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, at Hilton said: “Hilton remains committed to growth in Africa having been present on the continent for more than 50 years. The 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 specifically 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 offering in resorts and safari lodges.”