Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of agreements to open a further two Hilton Garden Inn hotels in Nigeria, in the city of Owerri, and at Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The announcement coincides with the Hilton Worldwide’s presence at the African Hotel Investment Forum 2014. Future growth is also expected to be fuelled with the unveiling of a new modular Hilton Garden Inn hotel build solution being introduced by the company for coming African projects.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Europe & Africa for Hilton Worldwide, said: “At Hilton Worldwide, we continually seek innovative ways to develop and operate our hotels, and our latest venture is no different. Coupling this novel approach of modular design with the development prospects Africa presents, we are excited about the expansion opportunities of our portfolio on the Continent. As we gain further momentum in developing Hilton Garden Inn across the region, we believe that by offering this fast-paced construction solution, owners and investors will see returns more quickly whilst guests will continue to experience the quality and service of Hilton Garden Inn for which the brand is world renowned.”
Hilton Worldwide is showcasing the Hilton Garden Inn modular build prototype at Hilton Addis Ababa during the Africa Hotel Investment Forum 2014. Constructed in China by CIMC Modular Building Systems, modular guest rooms and hallways are built entirely in manufacturing plant conditions – leading to benefits of faster development, streamlined design, efficiencies of cost, as well as quality control assurances. The technology has already established itself in the UK, with various mid-market brands growing via modular build – Hilton Worldwide brings this solution to its strategic development market of Africa for Hilton Garden Inn, which currently has nine hotels under development, confirmed for locations including: Lusaka, Uyo, Lagos and Tanger.
Paul Blackmore, Managing Director of CIMC Modular Building Systems said: “We are delighted to be working with Hilton Worldwide in Europe and Africa, and are looking forward to further introducing our unique concept to these key markets – which will assist with satisfying the increasing demand for good quality hotel rooms that are able to be delivered at a fast pace.”
Hilton Garden Inn Abuja Airport
Located approximately 1.5 kilometres from the airport terminal, the hotel will offer 220 guest rooms and will be operated under a management agreement with Oneplus Holdings Nigeria Ltd. Expected to open in Q2 2017; the hotel is the first property to be constructed in the vicinity of the airport some 36 kilometers from the center of Abuja. The hotel will offer 425 square metres of events space, a health club, as well as lounge, bar and grill restaurant.
Hilton Garden Inn Owerri
Expected to open in Q4 2017, the hotel will be located in central Owerri in a prime position for nearby corporate, government and education organizations. Offering 150 guest rooms, Hilton Garden Inn Owerri will be operated under a management agreement with a private investor. The hotel will offer various meeting spaces, as well as fitness centre and lounge, bar and all-day dining restaurant.
Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said: “The growing pipeline of Hilton Garden Inn hotels in Africa demonstrates our ambition as a major player in the mid-market segment across the world. Our focus on offering affordable accommodation, with quality product and service, is demonstrated with the significant popularity of the award winning Hilton Garden Inn brand.”
Hilton Worldwide currently has 36 hotels operating across Africa, with a further 26 hotels under development – nine of those being Hilton Garden Inn hotels. The company’s most recent opening was DoubleTree by Hilton Zanzibar Stone Town, Tanzania. The longest serving Hilton Hotel in Africa is Hilton Addis Ababa, which opened as the first internationally branded hotel in the city in 1969.
