Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Out of Africa Hospitality to open a mid-market Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Windhoek, Namibia.
Expected to begin welcoming guests in early 2017, the 180-guestroom hotel will open adjacent to the existing Hilton Windhoek and form part of the Freedom Plaza development, adding significant additional meeting space across the two properties. Guests will also benefit from new technology such as pre-arrival room selection – one of a raft of recent innovations from the global hospitality company.
“A young, tech savvy population is driving mobile use across Africa and in-turn transforming travel; whilst investors are increasingly looking towards innovation to achieve faster and more efficient hotel development,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Europe and Africa, for Hilton Worldwide. “As Hilton Worldwide expands its portfolio in Africa, with this latest Hilton Garden Inn signing, we see our innovations in guest technology and hotel development resonating strongly.”
Located in the business and government heartland of the Namibian Capital, Hilton Windhoek opened in 2011 welcoming guests from across the globe with renowned upscale Hilton hospitality. The newly agreed Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek will bring hallmark brand characteristics such as complimentary WiFi and the 24 hour Pavilion Pantry. The upscale, yet affordable brand has more than 600 hotels globally, and has rapidly gained development momentum in Africa with locations confirmed in Abuja, Lagos, Accra, Owerri, Lusaka, Uyo, Nairobi and Kampala.
Hilton Windhoek and the site of the new Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek are approximately 42 kilometers from Hosea Kutako International Airport and five kilometers from Eros Domestic Airport, allowing for easy connection to and from the hotel. Notable local landmarks within close proximity include the Namibian Supreme Court, Namibia Independence Museum, Christus Kirche, Government Embassies; as well as Zoo Park.
Haddis Tilahun for United Africa Group, said: “We are delighted to have signed an agreement with Hilton Worldwide to open a Hilton Garden Inn in Windhoek. The new hotel will complement the existing Hilton Windhoek and enhance the hospitality offering in the city, which is fast becoming a hub for corporate and leisure travel in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek will feature two food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, as well as a garden lounge and bar. For events, the hotel will feature two individual meeting rooms totaling 175 square metres, including pre-function space. Event organizers will benefit from existing and new, additional meeting space at the neighboring Hilton Windhoek.
Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our presence across Africa, with nine Hilton Garden Inn hotels now under development. Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek will provide travelers with superb hospitality – opening up a new affordable market segment for Hilton Worldwide in Namibia.”
Hilton Worldwide currently has 37 hotels operating across Africa, with a further 29 hotels under development. Last year, the company announced the signing of agreements to open two Hilton Garden Inns in Nigeria and the company’s most recent opening was DoubleTree by Hilton Zanzibar Stone Town, Tanzania.
