By Irene Gaitirira
Published October 4, 2018
Hilton Hotel plans to more than double in size across Africa in the next five years.
Saying it is committed to growth and opportunity across Africa, Hilton says it not only has 41 open hotels and 53 in development, but that it expects to double its footprint across the continent in the next five years, including entering new markets in Botswana, Ghana, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), Uganda, Malawi and Rwanda.
RELATED:Partnership to Tighten African Cybersecurity Announced
This comes in the wake of the opening of Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton, the company’s first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Africa.
Chris Nassetta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hilton says, “As the continent continues to undergo rapid urbanization, with the UN forecasting that the world’s 10 fastest-growing cities will all be in Africa by 2035, this hotel is a part of our strategy to connect guests to key cities and airport locations across the region.”
RELATED:Young Women Take to Using Sugar Daddies to Fund Their Lavish Lifestyles
Legend Hotel Lagos Airport is located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, which is said to be serving more than eight million passengers annually. The hotel is adjacent to the airport’s private jet terminal and has an exclusive immigration and customs desk in the hotel for private jet passengers. Handpicked to be part of the exclusive collection of one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts celebrated for their individuality, the hotel joins more than 60 Curio Collection hotels around the world. This is Hilton’s first hotel in Lagos and its second in Nigeria, with an additional seven hotels in its development pipeline for the country.
Hilton, which in 2017 launched its Hilton Africa Growth Initiative, says the initiative will support the conversion of existing hotels to Hilton brands with an investment of US$50 million over five years. During that period, Hilton expects to secure 100 conversion opportunities with some 15 000-20 000 rooms added to its portfolio to meet the growing need for quality branded hotels across the continent.
RELATED:World Food Security Could Depend on What Africa Does with Agriculture