INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Hilton and Alshaya Group, an international franchise operator, signed a master development agreement to rapidly launch and develop 70 Hampton by Hilton hotels in nine countries, with the majority of these in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Russia.
With the first hotel expected to open in Kuwait in 2021, Alshaya Group will deliver 50 hotels in the next eight years, with another 20 in the development pipeline, significantly expanding Hampton by Hilton’s presence in the region. The brand has nearly 2,500 hotels operating in 27 countries and territories around the world.
“We are delighted to reach this exclusive agreement with Alshaya Group, strengthening our partnership and further expanding our global Hampton by Hilton portfolio,” said Chris Nassetta, president/CEO of Hilton. “Alshaya has been an important partner, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of pioneering the hospitality industry this year, and we look forward to working together to introduce travelers to Hampton by Hilton in these high-growth destinations.”
“There is strong and growing demand for high-quality accommodations in the region, and we are excited by the potential of the Hampton by Hilton brand,” said Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of Alshaya Group. “This is an important new partnership for Alshaya, further diversifying our offer to consumers, and allowing us to replicate the global success of Hampton by Hilton in our operating markets.”