TUNIS, TUNISIA—Hilton Worldwide has signed a franchise agreement with El Mouradi Hotels & Resorts Group to rebrand the El Mouradi Africa Hotel into the DoubleTree by Hilton Tunis – Africa.
Chris Nassetta, Hilton Worldwide’s president and CEO, joined U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker and Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi in Washington to announce the agreement.
A full refurbishment of the hotel’s public areas and 212 guestrooms and suites will begin this summer, with an investment of more than $5 million. The property will then join DoubleTree’s portfolio, which consists of more than 415 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 35 countries around the world.
“Hilton first opened a hotel in Tunisia 50 years ago, extending our world-renowned hospitality to travelers from far and wide,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, SVP of development, Europe and Africa for Hilton Worldwide. “As we near 20,000 rooms either trading or under development across Africa, we are delighted to be returning to this vibrant capital city, amid growing confidence in Tunisia’s economic development which is seeing strong year-on-year growth.”
Located in a prime position on the Avenue Habib Bourguiba, which is regarded as the business and government heartland of Tunisia, DoubleTree by Hilton Tunis – Africa will open in the tallest building in the country and offer five restaurant and bar options, as well as a fitness center and 24-hour business center. Tunis Carthage Airport is approximately five miles away.
“Tunis features a wealth of attractions, parts of which are UNESCO World Heritage listed, making the country a destination for not only sun-seekers, but also those interested in culture and history,” said John Greenleaf, global head for DoubleTree by Hilton. “As one of Africa’s most visited locations, we are delighted to have signed an agreement to open our first DoubleTree by Hilton in Tunisia, a milestone for our global portfolio.”
The hotel will feature more than 15,000 sq. ft. of meetings and events space across 14 separate meeting rooms and a 4,300-sq.-ft. ballroom.
“At the El Mouradi Africa Tunis Hotel, we have worked hard to build our reputation of delivering great service and high standards to our guests. We believe that the rebranding of the hotel to DoubleTree by Hilton Tunis – Africa will enable us to further enhance the guest experience through the amazing strength of the DoubleTree brand,” said Mourad Mhiri, CEO of El Mouradi Group. “We are confident the rebranding of the hotel is just the beginning of a very successful and sustainable partnership with Hilton Worldwide.”