Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with Sunshine Business PLC for the upscale Hilton Awassa Resort & Spa, Ethiopia which is expected to begin welcoming guests in 2020.
“With a strong legacy of hospitality in Ethiopia, Hilton Awassa Resort & Spa will join Hilton Addis Ababa in offering world-renowned service, in this rapidly evolving part of the country,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Europe & Africa for Hilton Worldwide. “With a further $55million of government funding committed to delivering an airport for Awassa by 2018, the future is bright for travelers to southern Ethiopia. We are delighted to be making this announcement here at AHIF where we are also celebrating the milestone of 20,000 Hilton rooms open or under development across Africa.”
In partnership with Sunshine Business PLC, up to $42million will be invested in developing the 30,000 square metre Hilton Awassa Resort & Spa, with construction expected to begin later this year. Located on the banks of Lake Awassa, in the Great Rift Valley and stretching beyond Amora Gedel National Park, the property will feature 169 guest rooms and villas, with an outdoor swimming pool and spa complex acting as its centerpiece.
In addition to four dining options, including a specialty restaurant and pool bar & grill; the property will feature extensive meetings and events space, with more than 1,000 square metres of ballroom and pre-function area, as well as a further six meeting rooms.
Ms. Selamawit Samuel, EVP and part owner of Sunshine Business PLC, said, “With new infrastructure, including a highway to Addis Ababa and an airport expected to begin operations in 2018, we certainly expect to see a tourism and travel boost to Awassa. We are excited to add Hilton Awassa Resort & Spa to our hotel portfolio. It will give us geographical diversity in our hotel developments – adding tremendous value as we team up with Hilton.”
Awassa’s attractive blend of tranquil scenery and growing presence as a connected business centre has seen it enjoy substantial growth and investment in recent years. Earlier this year the new Awassa Industrial Park was announcement – a major investment set to host global manufacturing companies, and showcasing Ethiopia’s diversifying economy.
Rob Palleschi, global head of full service brands for Hilton Worldwide, said, “Having held a leading position in the Ethiopian hotel market since 1969, we are delighted to be continuing our strong tradition of offering guests the very best in hospitality in this part of the world. I look forward to seeing the development progress as we surpass our 50 year African presence and approach our centenary as a company.”
Hilton Awassa Resort & Spa will join a portfolio of more than 70 Hilton Worldwide properties either trading or under development in Africa. With new Hilton additions to the portfolio in N’Djamena and Kampala expected in the coming 12 months, Hilton Worldwide is growing at an unprecedented pace, leading the industry with 20,000 rooms either trading or under development across the continent.
