NIGERIA: Murtala Muhammed International Airport Location For New Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with Quality Inspection & Testing Services Limited to open a 350 guest-room and suite hotel at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria. The hotel, which was signed at AHIF 2016 in Rwanda, is set to open in 2023 and joins Hilton’s growing African portfolio of more than 80 properties trading or in the development pipeline, which will see Hilton more than double its presence across Africa in the next 3-5 years.

“With a population of more than 16 million, Lagos is the seventh-fastest growing city in the world and the second largest in Africa, with much of the nation's wealth and economic activity concentrated here,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide. “Strong growth is forecasted in both domestic and international travellers using Murtala Muhammed International Airport, so this exemplary new hotel will be well placed to meet traveller’s needs, offering an unparalleled level of design, comfort and service.”

The hotel will be situated within close proximity to Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, as well as the passenger terminals at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, which service travellers flying to hundreds of destinations around the world.

Mr Sam Iwuajoku, Chairman and CEO of QUITS, said: “The signing of the agreement to open Hilton Lagos Airport is testament to a period of exciting growth and development for Lagos. Our plans to build an exceptional hotel at the international airport will revolutionise the traveller experience and also offer a state-of-the-art choice for conferences, meetings and events. We look forward to a very successful collaboration with Hilton Worldwide on this outstanding development.”

Hilton Lagos Airport will comprise 350 guest-rooms, of which 72 are suites, an Executive floor and multiple food and beverage outlets, including; a restaurant serving international cuisine; a speciality restaurant; a fashionable rooftop cocktail bar; and a hip night club. An elevated pool deck, with lavish gardens and a striking horizon pool overhanging the side of the property, provides breath-taking views of the surroundings and a unique leisure experience for an airport property. The hotel will also feature a spa and fitness centre.

Business travellers and event planners will benefit from a wide choice of professional facilities across the 2,600sqm event space, including a 1,350sqm ballroom and 500sqm junior ballroom.

“Hilton Lagos Airport will further solidify our presence in Nigeria and be a great asset to our Hilton Hotels and Resorts properties trading or under development in Africa,” said Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands, Hilton. “We have great confidence in this growing market and are proud to be pioneering exemplary guest experiences across the continent with our range of Hilton brands.”

Hilton is set to more than double its presence in Africa in the next three to five years to more than 80 hotels and is focused on further development prospects across the continent, entering new countries while also growing in areas with an existing Hilton presence.

This signing is in addition to the recent signing of Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton, also with QUITS, with an additional 76 guest rooms to be added, bringing the room count up to 130-keys. These properties represent the two most recent hotels signed at Lagos Airport in some time. The Curio hotel, due to open during 2017, will be the first within the airport environment giving guests and airline passengers alike unrivalled ease of access to the airport’s facilities.

BOTSWANA: Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone To Open Doors March 2018

The Hilton Worldwide’s is to open its first Hilton Garden Inn in Gaborone for operation in March 2018, project managers Fleming Asset Management, have said.

The P300million hotel will be situated in Gaborone’s new central business district (CBD) and will compete with the Masa Square hotel in the same area.

Unangoni Monamati, Analyst Property Division at Fleming Asset Management firm said the much-awaited hotel of the Hilton’s will resume operation in early 2018 after the handover.

“This is an 18-month project. We are expecting it to be operational around March 2018. Group 5 company has been appointed as the main contractor of the project and we have other 12 domestic sub contractors engaged.

For the main contractor, we needed a company with brand and leisure experience and an exceptional degree of quality and project delivery amongst other aspects,” she said.

Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone will feature 150 guest rooms offering signature bedding, a health club and outdoor swimming pool; as well as food and beverage options including an all-day dining restaurant, bar and 24-hour Pavilion Pantry.

Guests will also have access to a 24-hour business centre, complementary Wi-Fi and benefit from more than 400 square metres of meeting space. In August 2015 a management agreement with Fleming Asset Management Botswana, on behalf of Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) and the Hilton Worldwide was signed to open the mid-market Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone.

Located in the capital and largest city of Botswana, the signing marked the first hotel of Hilton Worldwide ever agreed in the country and will offer travellers the perfect base for both business and leisure visits. Botswana’s portfolio destination adds onto the Hilton Worldwide’s more than 639 Hilton Garden Inn hotels that exist globally.

CHINA; Chinese Want To Conquer Hotel Industry As Well

The Middle Kingdom is a mass market, in the truest sense of the word. With a market volume of 229 billion US dollars, China’s tourism is world champion by now. According to TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the worldwide leading provider of b2b hotel data, more than 700 new hotels with 205,800 rooms are currently in the pipeline in China. In addition, hotel chains such as Jin Jiang increase their investments abroad: After the Louvre Hotels Group acquisition also the stake in Europe's leading hotel group Accor has been increased now to more than six percent.

The world has to be prepared for more guests from China: last year 109 million travelled abroad, mostly to Hong Kong, South Korea and Thailand - and to Europe. In the past four years the number of Chinese guests increased by almost one hundred percent on the Old Continent.

Due to their size, Chinese groups become more important – five Chinese hotel groups rank in the top 20 of the largest hotel groups worldwide. With more than 715,000 hotel rooms, Hilton Worldwide remains the largest one followed by Marriott International (714,000 rooms) and on the third place the InterContinental Hotels Group (approx. 710,000 rooms). After the hotel chains Wyndham, Choice and Accor, the Plateno Hotel Groups from Guangzhou in China ranks on the sixth place with about 442,000 rooms. Jin Jiang Hotels from Shanghai (352,000 rooms), which recently brought the European Louvre Hotels Group is on the ninth place.

Further Chinese hotel groups in the top 20 are Homes Inns & Hotels, China Lodging Group and GreenTree Inns. In total 32 Chinese hotel groups rank in the top 300 hotel groups. Even in terms of the world's largest hotel brands China is one step ahead: "7 Days Inn" by the Plateno Hotels Group is with approximately 380,000 rooms significantly ahead of the previously top-ranked hotel brand Best Western.

TOPHOTELPROJECTS collects and evaluates data about all hotel construction projects and hotel chains worldwide in an online database and provides its subscribers with a comprehensive overview of all major hotel projects, refurbishments and extensions worldwide. The online database currently holds over 5,500 live and confirmed projects and more than 2,000 hotel brands.

Further information:
www.tophotelprojects.com


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TOPHOTELPROJECTS GmbH
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USA: Hilton Garden Inn Targets Busy Business Women

Despite the rise of technology and flexibility in the workplace, a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research* on behalf of Hilton Garden Inn, revealed women still find it challenging to juggle work and personal life needs. In fact, 71 percent of these women would clone themselves to achieve everything they need to get done in a day. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as the majority of respondents agreed the empowerment and insight of fellow “super-women” offers the key to help them win.

“We created Hilton Garden Inn’s ‘Bright On’ campaign to help distinguish ourselves as the go-to destination for business women,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president, focused service brand marketing and Hilton Garden Inn. “We know travel is a big part of the balancing act. That’s why we are on a mission to help women feel empowered and make life smoother and easier.”

In time for International Women’s Month, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Worldwide’s upscale global brand of hotels, has partnered with a diverse group of savvy professional women who will be known as the HGI “Bright Minds” for a special social media campaign. These influential ladies will share their challenges, successes and insights to get more done.

“From eating well and working smartly to staying fit and traveling stress-free, Hilton Garden Inn’s ‘Bright Minds’ will help us support busy business women and inspire them to keep shining brightly,” Christa-Cathey added.

Other noteworthy survey result findings include:

- Woman Power! – 79 percent agree to getting twice as much done in a day as a man could
- Power in the Numbers – 85 percent of employed women would be more likely to ask a fellow woman for help to get something done quickly at work
- Tech Help – self-cleaning carpets (34 percent), self-folding laundry (34 percent ), 3-D printers for meals (18 percent) are the top three gadgets busy women would have
- Home Alone – 67 percent confessed to wanting their significant others to go away on business trips so they can have time to themselves
* Wakefield surveyed 1,002 women 18+ nationally between Feb. 14 and Feb. 22, 2016, using an email invitation and online survey.

USA: Homewood Suites Launches Meal Kit Delivery Service

Homewood Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton Worldwide’s All Suites portfolio, has announced its partnership with meal kit delivery service PeachDish. Through its “Home Cooked Meals” program, Homewood Suites will offer guests discounted access – an approximate 20 percent savings – to PeachDish’s service which will deliver pre-portioned ingredients to prepare fresh, seasonal meals for guests to cook in their suite’s fully-equipped kitchen. The program will first be introduced in Atlanta and Dallas – two of the hotel brand’s largest markets – during a three-month introduction from March 7, 2016 through June 9, 2016.

“Homewood Suites concentrates on making our guests’ stay as comfortable and convenient as possible, and we are always looking for new ways to deliver on this,” said Christian Kuhn, vice president of marketing, Homewood Suites by Hilton. “‘Our Home Cooked Meals’ partnership with PeachDish provides travelers the simple pleasure of cooking a delicious, healthy meal in their suite without the hassle of shopping or buying more food than they will need.”

Homewood Suites guests will place their PeachDish order on a customized landing page and choose between two serving options that allow for smaller meals for the extended stay business traveler or larger meals for a family looking to cook a nutritious meal together. Guests will have at least four menu options to select from each week, and orders will need to be placed by Sunday at 12:00 a.m.

EST for delivery the following week. In addition to receiving an exclusive meal kit discount, guests will also receive promotional pricing on a PeachDish Starter Kit which includes extra virgin olive oil, kosher sea salt and fresh whole tellicherry pepper with a complimentary pepper mill.

“Focused on delivering fresh, seasonal ingredients, our classically trained chefs develop Southern-infused recipes that are quick and easy to prepare,” said Judith Winfrey, president, PeachDish. “We source ingredients regionally and seasonally while highlighting a variety of international flavors”.

PeachDish celebrates the freshest ingredients with Southern-inspired food full of innovative flavor. Based in Atlanta, PeachDish delivers a refrigerated box with ingredients and recipes to cook dinner at home. Customers choose from eight different menu options each week, including at least two vegetarian dishes. While purchasing produce at the season’s peak to achieve the most flavor and nutrition, the company works directly with farmers and purveyors to source ingredients local to the Southeast.

USA: Hilton Launches Online Hub So Travellers Can Visualise Holidays

Hilton recently launched its “Stop Clicking Around” marketing campaign, the largest in the company’s 97-year history, which lays out the benefits to travelers of booking hotel stays directly on the company’s website. Now, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is introducing a new way for travelers to turn “someday” travel dreams into “let’s go!” experiences with its Our Stage.

Your Story. platform. Through a partnership with motivational bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Derek Hough, the brand is encouraging people to move from dreaming to doing, and ultimately book their next great travel story, using tools provided on the online hub OurStageYourStory.com.

Hilton has found in a recent study1 that 86 percent of travelers set goals for themselves – including places to see and things to do – and for those travelers, visualization is key to achieving their travel goals. To bridge the gap between visualizing and doing, Hilton and Hough are encouraging OurStageYourStory.com visitors to create their own digital vision boards.

The site offers a selection of templates and a library of bucket-list-worthy destination images to enable aspiring travelers to build their dream experience, find inspiration from fellow travelers and share it through social media.

Best known for his leading role on “Dancing with the Stars” and soon to star in Broadway’s “Singin’ in the Rain,” Hough explains how motivational tools can help anyone achieve goals.

“In my career as a performer and coach, I am passionate about helping people reach their full potential – both on stage and in everyday life.

Visualization is an important method for me to channel my creativity in pursuit of my personal and professional goals,” said Hough.

“For me, whether on the road for work or taking time for myself, exploring a new place has always been a great way to gain new perspective and soak up inspiration. I’m thrilled to be partnering with Hilton this year to share my tools for success and help others realize their dreams.”

Throughout the year, Hilton will refresh the site with new content, and provide travel inspiration to people on and offline.

The brand is taking to the streets of New York City to delight consumers with Hilton “StoryFinders.” Disguised as normal city viewfinders, passersby in Union Square and Midtown East will find themselves transported to an exotic beach destination – and may even be surprised by Hough with a free two-night stay at a Hilton Hotels & Resorts property of their choice.

Starting March 18, users who create their vision board at www.OurStageYourStory.com will be invited to share it on Hilton’s social channels for the chance to get one step closer to making their dream vacation a reality.

“Whether it’s a beachside escape, safari expedition or local weekend getaway, the dream to travel is nearly universal – and Hilton has been enabling memorable travel stories around the world for nearly 100 years,” said Mary Beth Parks, senior vice president, global brand marketing, Hilton Worldwide. “Through Our Stage. Your Story., we want to inspire travelers to not just imagine a great experience, but to actually live it.

Once dreamers are ready to embark on their next travel story, they can get the best rates, instant benefits and access to unforgettable, exclusive experiences by joining Hilton HHonors and booking directly with us.”

Also debuting throughout the year will be print and digital marketing creative that showcases the brand through new dimensions and inspires consumers to book their dream travel, including a richly immersive experience launching today via The New York Times Virtual Reality app.

USA: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Opens New Hotel In Chicago

Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare, its newest property to join Hampton by Hilton, the global brand of more than 2,000 mid-priced Hampton Inn by Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton hotels. The 158-room hotel, located at 9480 W. Higgins Road in Rosemont, is managed by Raymond Management Company.

“Our staff looks forward to greeting business and leisure guests visiting the Windy City. We’re excited to share recommendations to many of Chicago’s finest restaurants and attractions,” said Jeff Fiorito, general manager. “In fact, our guests will have quick access to the CTA Line Rosemont Station which makes traveling to downtown Chicago easy.”

Located a few miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare is also nearby MB Financial Park, The Rivers Casino, Rosemont Shopping Outlets and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Locally-authentic restaurants including Giordano’s and Gene & Georgetti Steakhouse are within walking distance.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare offers amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center with complimentary printing, two 273 square foot meeting space that can accommodate up to 20 people total, heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool and a fitness center. The hotel also provides free On the House hot breakfast as well as Hampton’s On the RunTM Breakfast Bags, available Monday through Friday.

The new hotel features the Perfect Mix Lobby, designed as an extension of the guestroom with a variety of seating and lighting options for both leisure and business travelers. Additionally, the hotel features TREATS, a new food and beverage shop filled with snacks, toiletries, local merchandise and drinks for purchase. Guestrooms are equipped with the brand’s signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed®, large desk, HDTV, microwave, fridge and coffeemaker. Inviting suites are also available, offering additional space and a comfortable sleeper sofa.

Hampton by Hilton team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as Hamptonality. This term describes each hotel’s approach to friendly customer service and anticipation of guests’ needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Additionally, hotels are infused with local photography and artwork, highlighting each property’s connection and support to its own community.

CHINA: Hilton Shenzhen Futian Opens Third Hilton In Shenzhen

Hilton Worldwide and Hilton Hotels & Resorts have announced the opening of Hilton Shenzhen Futian. This hotel marks the second Hilton Hotels & Resorts property and the third Hilton Worldwide hotel in Shenzhen. Strategically situated in the heart of Shenzhen, the 23-story hotel features 320 contemporary guestrooms and suites and is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Great China International Group Co., Ltd. To date, Hilton Worldwide has over 60 operating hotels in Greater China.

“China is one of the most important and fastest growing markets for Hilton Worldwide, and the opening of Hilton Shenzhen Futian is an important milestone for Hilton Worldwide. The hotel is located in Shenzhen’s financial and commercial center and is the ideal hotel for travelers to Shenzhen, whether they are here for a conference, business trip, or simply sightseeing,” said Bruce McKenzie, senior vice president of operations, Greater China and Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide.

Centrally located in Shenzhen’s Central Business District, Hilton Shenzhen Futian is within walking distance of the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre and City Hall. The hotel is just 35.9 kilometers away from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, and also enjoys convenient access to Hong Kong’s border and the Huanggang or Futian Ports, all within three kilometers. In addition, the hotel will provide guests with an exciting experience of the city with convenient access to shopping malls and more.

“Shenzhen is one of China’s wealthiest cities, a bustling, modern metropolis that links Hong Kong to China’s mainland and also a major transport hub for the region,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide. “As one of the first international hotel brands to break the Chinese market more than 25 years ago, the opening of Hilton Shenzhen Futian is key in affirming Hilton’s global presence and our commitment to supporting the development of growing global economies.”

Guests at Hilton Shenzhen Futian can indulge in a variety of on-site dining options, spacious accommodations and state-of-the-art business and leisure facilities while staying connected to the city center complex. Guests can start the day with a delicious breakfast and enjoy various cuisines at Mis.U, an all-day dining venue, or visit Lan Ting Chinese restaurant to enjoy contemporary Cantonese and Sichuan specialties, expertly prepared by our Cantonese Head Chef and his team. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea, coffee and pastries or catch up with friends over a wide selection of drinks in a laid-back atmosphere at the trendy Lobby Lounge, or they can sit back with a glass of wine or a whiskey at Mr. Wong bar, enjoying spectacular city views while immersed in the sounds of jazz.

Hilton Shenzhen Futian features a broad range of modern amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center and a 25-meter heated outdoor swimming pool. Spanning 400 sq. meters on the 20th and 21st floors, the Executive Lounge offers complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails and private Check-In and Check-Out services for guests staying in executive rooms and suites.

Hilton Shenzhen Futian has 17 versatile function spaces comprising 2,400 sq. meters, including a 600 sq. meter pillar-free Grand Ballroom that can be configured with the latest conferencing technology to deliver a memorable meeting experience. From corporate events to social gatherings, Hilton Shenzhen Futian’s dedicated events team will help plan a successful event down to the last detail.

ASIA PACIFIC: Hilton Targets Asian Golf Sport, Becomes Official Sponsor

Hilton Worldwide is aiming to enhance its presence in the Asian golf tourism sector by becoming the official hotel partner of the Asian Tour.

Under the terms of the deal, Hilton will provide accommodation to the Asian Tour’s players and officials as they travel around the region, and the company’s branding will be displayed across the Asian Tour’s digital media outlets.

It will also launch the new ‘Hilton Golfer of the Month’ initiative, whereby golf fans will be able to vote each month for their favourite player. This will conclude with a ‘Hilton Golfer of the Year’ event.

Hilton said it aims to “create a platform to showcase its regional portfolio of hotels that provide the perfect base for the ever-increasing number of golf travellers”.

“With the Asian Tour traversing the length and breadth of the Asian region annually, our new association with Hilton Worldwide, who currently operates over 130 hotels across Asia Pacific, is truly a wonderful milestone for us,” said the Asian Tour’s CEO, Mike Kerr.

Mark Liversidge, Hilton’s vice president of marketing for Asia Pacific, commented; “Hilton has a long history of working with sports organisations and our move into golf is the perfect fit for our customers and us as a company.

“Through our golf partnerships in Europe, and now Asia, we are looking to engage with the growing number of golf leisure travellers whilst also supporting the professional tours to provide them with a home away from home as they travel throughout the season.”

CHINA: DoubleTree By Hilton Anshun Opens In China’s Guizhou Province

Hilton Worldwide has opened its first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in China’s southwestern Guizhou province. DoubleTree by Hilton Anshun strengthens Hilton Worldwide’s presence in Guizhou and is owned by Guizhou Bailing Enterprise Group Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd and managed by Hilton Worldwide.

Anshun is one of western China’s most scenic tourist destinations. Famous for its cool weather, magnificent karst rock formations and for having Asia’s largest waterfall, Anshun is both a summer and winter retreat,” said Bruce McKenzie, senior vice president of operations, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide. “We look forward to addressing the demand for quality hotels in Anshun and remain committed to supporting the growth of tourism in key regions of the country. Hilton Worldwide brands have had a presence in China for 27 years and with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Anshun, we now have 58 hotels operating in this market.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Anshun is located on the bank of Hongshan Lake, in Anshun’s city center. The hotel is next to the municipal government offices, 4.8km from the train station, 7.2km from Huangguoshu Airport and less than an hour’s drive from the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall.

“We continue to be excited by the growth opportunities the DoubleTree by Hilton brand has in China, where we currently operate over 20 hotels and have 60 in the pipeline,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “With more than 425 properties globally, DoubleTree by Hilton is known for providing rewarding guest experiences, with all the special comforts that we call the ‘little things.’ We’re thrilled to welcome both international and domestic travelers to Anshun, starting with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Anshun has 300 rooms, including 48 suites and a Presidential Suite. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of Hongshan Lake or the city skyline. Modern furnishings and amenities include the luxurious Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree Sleep Experience, elegant bathroom amenities and a 42-inch LCD television with satellite channels. Guests who upgrade to an executive room or suite will enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge, which offers complimentary breakfast and refreshments.

An ideal venue for business meetings and social events, DoubleTree by Hilton Anshun has a 1,200 square-meter ballroom, eight function rooms and a 24-hour Connectivity Zone with the latest audio-visual technology. Recreational facilities at the hotel include a heated indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center that is equipped with the best in Precor-branded cardiovascular and strength training equipment.

DoubleTree by Hilton Anshun also delivers a variety of dining experiences. Guests can start the day with a delicious buffet breakfast at OPEN, a fresh, urban all-day dining restaurant that offers flexibility and an engaging atmosphere. And at the elegant JINZHOU Chinese Restaurant, guests can expect the finest Cantonese cuisine and Guizhou specialties. In addition to a main dining area, the restaurant also has 10 private dining rooms, with panoramic views of the lake, for special celebrations and business lunches.