Hilton Worldwide recently announced expansion plans in Iraqi Kurdistan, northern Iraq, with the signing of a management agreement with the Mihtab Group to develop the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in the rapidly growing city of Erbil, Iraq. The 300-room Hilton Erbil Hotel & Spa, which is expected to open in 2016, will be the second Hilton Worldwide property in Erbil following the 2011 announcement to develop a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in the city.
Hilton Erbil Hotel & Spa will be set in extensive, landscaped grounds in an upscale residential and commercial district just North of Erbil, an area famous for its picturesque, mountainous landscape as well as its close proximity to the city's main access road. These key location benefits are attracting many new businesses to the area, including a number of foreign embassies planned within the next two years.
Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa, said: “We're tremendously excited to introduce our second property to Erbil and welcome the opportunity to become part of its energetic and thriving city community. Establishing a strong presence in Kurdistan supports our ambitious strategy to open a further 40 hotels in the Middle East & Africa within the next four years.”
Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: “Hilton Erbil Hotel & Spa is set to be an outstanding, landmark property and we look forward to welcoming guests to one of the most beautiful and unexplored areas of the Middle East.”
Zmnako Yasin Ismail Qadir, owner, Mihtab Group, said: “As we face a surge in domestic and international travel to Iraqi Kurdistan, the addition of a new property by Hilton Worldwide will be a major boost to the range of hospitality offerings currently available.”
Plan afoot for second Hilton Worldwide Hotel in Kurdistan
