Hilton and international franchise operator Alshaya Group have signed a master development agreement to launch and develop 70 Hampton by Hilton hotels in nine countries. The majority will be in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Russia.
With the first hotel expected to open in Kuwait in 2021, Alshaya Group will look to deliver 50 hotels in the next eight years, with another 20 in the development pipeline, significantly expanding the brand's presence in the region.
Hilton President/CEO Chris Nassetta noted, “Alshaya has been an important partner, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of pioneering the hospitality industry this year, and we look forward to working together to introduce travelers to Hampton by Hilton in these high-growth destinations.”
“There is strong and growing demand for high-quality accommodation in the region and we are excited by the potential of the Hampton by Hilton brand”, said Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of Alshaya Group. “This is an important new partnership for Alshaya, further diversifying our offer to consumers, and allowing us to replicate the global success of Hampton by Hilton in our operating markets.”
The brand has nearly 2,500 hotels operating in 27 countries and territories around the world, making it the largest brand in Hilton’s portfolio (although the Tru brand is gaining ground.)
Over the next five years, Hilton is poised to open nearly 100 hotels across the Middle East and North Africa, primarily in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt, for an estimated $9-billion investment from the company's development partners.