Hilton Worldwide has signed management agreements with Eden Group Company Limited for five Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Myanmar.
The partnership with Eden Group represents another significant milestone for Hilton Worldwide’s expansion in Myanmar, following the company’s earlier announcement in 2013 as the first western hotel groupi to have signed an agreement to operate a hotel in the country.
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 will be rebranded as Hilton Nay Pyi Taw and Hilton Ngapali Beach Resort respectively, and are scheduled to welcome their first guests as Hiltons in October 2014. Three other hotels will open in the next three years, namely: Hilton Bagan and Hilton Inle Lake in 2016 and then the Hilton Mandalay in 2017.
As it expands its footprint in Myanmar, Hilton Worldwide is also committed to build upon its corporate responsibility strategy, Travel with Purpose to create opportunities for individuals, as well as explore partnership prospects with local communities.
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.”
Following social and economic reforms in Myanmar over the past few years, the country has witnessed 2,044,307 tourist arrivals in 2013, a significant increase of over 90 per cent visitors from 2012. Given the anticipated growth in visitors, it is likely that the demand for rooms will outpace supply in the next five to 10 years.
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, senior vice president of development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.
“Today’s announcement combines the expertise of a truly global, award-winning hospitality company with strong local market expertise,” said U Chit Khine, chairman, Eden Group. “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.”
One of the two hotels which will open in time for the ASEAN Summit and ASEAN Plus Summit 2014 in November is the 200-room Hilton Nay Pyi Taw. The hotel sprawls across more than 404,000 square meters of land, and will feature three food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining restaurant, as well as meetings and events spaces. Hilton Ngapali Beach Resort, located on the popular beach destination overlooking the Indian Ocean, offers 51 spacious guest rooms. The beachfront property also features an all-day dining outlet, a hotel bar and function rooms.
In Bagan, the ancient city on the banks of Ayeyarwady River and home to the densest concentration of Buddhist temples and stupas in the world, Hilton Bagan will offer 220 rooms while Hilton Inle Lake, located within the precinct of Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar, will have 180 rooms. In Mandalay, the second largest city and economic hub north of Myanmar, Hilton Mandalay will be 300-room property featuring a spacious 1,000 square meter ballroom.
All five Hilton properties will participate in Hilton HHonors, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 4,100 hotels worldwide.
