Hilton’s mid-market brand set to become first hotel for company in Muscat, one of the Middle East’s most intriguing destinations for trade and tourism.
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) today announced the signing of a management agreement with the Muscat National Development and Investment Company to open Hilton Garden Inn Muscat – Al Khuwair, the global hospitality company’s first hotel in Muscat and second in the The Sultanate of Oman. Located on the country’s northern coastline, Muscat is home to the seat of government, as well as a popular destination for business and leisure tourism.
Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa for Hilton Worldwide, said, “With a well-established tourism industry and historic reputation as a trading hub, Muscat is continuing to develop its infrastucture in response to steady increases in business and leisure arrivals. Oman welcomes almost 3.5 million visitors each year and with Muscat’s expanding airport capacity, as well as the expected opening of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre this year, we look forward to supporting this growth and developing Hilton’s presence here.”
Hilton Garden Inn Muscat will feature 232 guest rooms and occupy a prime position in the centre of the city. Visitors will be in close proximity to Muscat International Airport (16 kilometres) as well as sites of interest including the renowned Royal Opera House and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The city is a hub of global trade, with many corporations operating from Muscat, given its strategic location for the Arabian Pensinsula, Europe and Asia.
Eng. Khalid Al Yahmadi, CEO of ASAAS, remarked, “The tourism sector in Oman is a key contributor to the economic growth of the country and has the potential to yield even greater returns aided by strategic investments within its supply chain. In 2014 Oman’s total number of keys stood at 15,424. However with the government aiming to raise the sector’s GDP contribution from 3% in 2014 to 6% by 2040 by attracting nine million tourists, we need to increase that number to no less than 18,000 keys. Hilton Garden Inn Muscat– Al Khuwair will bring us one step closer to this target and enhance the quality of life for people in Al Khuwair and the greater Muscat community.”
Expected to open in early 2019, guests will benefit from amenities and services to sleep well, stay fit and work smart during their stay – guests will also have access to a 24-hour business center, complimentary Wi-Fi and benefit from more than 147 square meters of meeting space. Food and beverage options at the hotel will include the signature 24-hour Pavilion Pantry for sweet treats and savoury snacks, as well as neighboring food and beverage outlets for guests to choose from.
John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said, “As we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East, travellers to Oman will soon be able to experience the very best in mid-market accomodation as we expand Hilton Garden Inn to the country. We have recently established the brand in the UAE and grown its presence in Saudi Arabia. With 16 hotels either trading or under development in the Middle East, our global footprint of 650 Hilton Garden Inn properties will continue to expand to include a growing list of exciting destinations.”
Hilton Worldwide has operated in Oman since 1999, when it opened the upscale Hilton Salalah Resort, located in the south of the country. Hilton Garden Inn has grown rapidly in the Middle East over the last 12 months, with properties now open at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates; Al Mina and Al Muraqabat – as well as in Riyadh and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Read more about Hilton Garden Inn at: www.hiltongardeninn.com or news.hgi.com.
About Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn is the award-recognized, peaceful and energizing hotel brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travelers are appreciated and have everything they need to be most productive on the road. Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart during their stay. Approachable and professional Team Members operating at more than 665 hotels around the world are committed to providing a welcoming and dependable hotel experience for every guest, every time which is reflected in the satisfaction promise to do whatever it takes to ensure every guest is satisfied, or they don’t pay. You can count on us. Guaranteed™. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive instant benefits, including an exclusive discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app. Visit www.hgi.com or news.hgi.com for more information about our locations.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprised of more than 4,600 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with more than 758,000 rooms in 100 countries and territories. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
CONTACT:
Dan Corfield
Hilton Worldwide – MEA
dan.corfield@hilton.com
+971 (0) 56 416 1323
Christine Miller
Hilton Worldwide – Global
christine.miller@hilton.com
+1 901 374 6462
Source: http://news.hiltongardeninn.com/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/30308
