Hilton Worldwide Signs Agreement To Expand Presence In Northwest China With New Hilton Hotels & Resorts Property In Lanzhou

LANZHOU, China - Hilton Worldwide announced the signing of a management agreement with Lanzhou Friendship Hotel to build a hotel consisting of approximately 389 guest rooms in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province. Scheduledh to open in the first quarter of 2017, the 389-room Hilton Lanzhou will reside in the city's central commercial district and provides Hilton Worldwide with greater access to China's rapidly developing northwest China.

Francis Lee Wee-Hau, senior vice president of development, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide said, "The introduction of our flagship Hilton property to Gansu province marks a chapter in our commitment to providing guests with greater access to China's northern and western markets. Lanzhou is an established regional transportation hub, a growing industrial and commercial center, and has become a vibrant tourism destination, making the city an ideal setting for our entry into the region. As the first Hilton Worldwide hotel in Lanzhou and Gansu, we are confident Hilton Lanzhou will bring considerable awareness to Hilton Worldwide's many offerings and showcase our strengths in helping the region's future development."

Situated in the city's central business district on East Xijin Road in Qilihe District, Hilton Lanzhou will be the first international hotel brand in the city. Hilton Lanzhou is strategically located to provide guests with easy access to the city's railway, air and road transport hubs, the Lanzhou State High-Tech Development Zone, and the wealth of cultural landmarks and natural beauty the former Silk Road stop has to offer.

"Lanzhou is a rapidly growing city with booming industrial, commercial, transportation and tourism sectors, providing significant opportunities for our brand and the industry. It is our objective to meet the rising demand in Lanzhou's emerging premier hospitality segment with leading services and products," said Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "We are especially excited about Hilton Lanzhou's potential in the region, which will feature an assortment of dining options, a health club, function and meeting rooms, and a ballroom offering guests an unrivaled hospitality experience.

Hilton Lanzhou's top 32 floors will provide guests with an unblocked view of the Yellow River and the surrounding landscape. In addition to state-of-the-art guest rooms, the hotel will include three restaurants, a lobby lounge and bar, three function rooms, 16 meeting rooms, a ballroom, and a health club with a spa and indoor swimming pool. The hotel is 50km away from the airport, 2km from the West Railway Station and 4.5km from city and provincial government offices. The hotel is also walking distance to the city's foremost shopping district, the Gansu Provincial Museum, other government bureaus and corporate offices, including stated owned enterprises and bank branches of Qilihe.

Chai Xue Yong, general manager, Lanzhou Friendship Hotel said, "Hilton Worldwide is a leader in China's growing hospitality industry, so it's an honor to begin our partnership in building a new landmark to Lanzhou's skyline. Northwest China is an emerging power in a range of industries, and Lanzhou is at the heart of this growth. With Hilton Worldwide, we are confident our partnership will help to enhance the city's reputation as a leading destination for business and tourism."

Hilton Worldwide operates 36 hotels in Greater China and intends to expand its presence to more than 150 properties with 55,000 rooms over the next several years. Media can access more information about the Hilton Hotels & Resorts development pipeline athttp://news.hilton.com/openings.