Myanmar’s Eden Group is planning to spend an estimated $130 million on two hotels in partnership with Hilton Worldwide.
The plan, first reported by the Nikkei Asian Review, calls for opening hotels to be open in top tourist destinations of Bagan and Inle Lake, as early as 2018.
The hotel at Inle Lake will likely operate under the Hilton brand with the Bagan property likely to be a Conrad.
Eden also operates smaller hotels under the Thingaha and Link brands. Chit Khine told the NAR the Eden Group was exploring the possibility of developing hotels with a big Japanese real estate company.
This announcement is the continuation of a partnership between Hilton and Eden. In June 2014, Hilton signed management agreements with Eden Group for five Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Myanmar, including the two mentioned here, scheduled to open in 2016, and the the Hilton Mandalay in 2017.
Under the agreement with Eden Group, two of the group's recently opened properties in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, and on Ngapali beach in Rakhine State were rebranded as Hilton Nay Pyi Taw and Hilton Ngapali Beach Resort, respectively, with the three others to follow.
At the time, Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, said, "We are delighted to continue our strategic growth in Myanmar and to significantly increase our footprint with this landmark deal, which will allow us to contribute economically and socially to this great country."
Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said, "We continue to build upon the pioneering spirit of our founding father, Conrad Hilton, by entering new and exciting markets, and are delighted to add five Hilton Hotels & Resorts flags in attractive destinations within the emerging market of Myanmar. With over 550 properties across six continents, we remain committed to provide culturally-relevant, modern accommodations and a complete range of facilities and services to meet the needs of savvy global travelers."
"The introduction of five Hilton properties to the key destinations of Nay Pyi Taw, Ngapali, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake marks our commitment to Myanmar and we are pleased to be working with a partner of the experience and standing of the Eden Group to advance our footprint within this dynamic country," said Andrew Clough, SVP of development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.
"In parallel to Myanmar's economic and social transformation, the opening of the new Hilton hotels will not only create more jobs in the hospitality industry, but will also be able to produce a dedicated and quality workforce. Eden Group is devoted to responsible investments and we are honored to be able to support and contribute to Myanmar's rapid economic growth," said U Chit Khine, chairman, Eden Group.
Myanmar continues to be a destination attracting visitors and investment. Tourist arrivals in Myanmar reached 4.68 million in 2015, according to figures from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.