Hilton Worldwide Expands Africa Portfolio

DUBAI, UAE and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today signed an agreement with longstanding Nigeria business partner, Transcorp Hotels Ltd, to introduce a new Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel to Lagos, Nigeria's commercial and cultural heartland.

The 200-room new-build Transcorp Hilton Lagos will be strategically located in the exclusive residential and commercial district of Ikoyi in Lagos. The property will enjoy close proximity to the main financial and business centres of the city as well as offer convenient access to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton Worldwide, Europe & Africa said: "I am delighted to join with Transcorp Hotels Ltd, our 26-year partner at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, to introduce our famous Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to Lagos. Today is a momentous occasion as we further underpin our commitment and confidence in Nigeria and strengthen our growing hotel portfolio."

Expected to open mid-2016, the upscale, full service Transcorp Hilton Lagos will feature a wealth of attractive facilities and conveniences designed to appeal to the growing numbers of discerning domestic, inter-regional and international business and leisure travellers seeking first class accommodation in Lagos. Amenities include 1000sq.mtrs of meeting and event space, a business centre, a luxury spa and swimming pool as well as two restaurants, one to be a speciality, and two bars. Leisure visitors will appreciate the hotel's close proximity to Awolowo Road, the main high street of Lagos famous for designer brands, upscale boutiques and luxury outlets.

Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: "Thanks to the popularity and profile of our hotel in Abuja, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is already a celebrated hospitality brand across Nigeria's domestic and international communities. We are confident that Transcorp Hilton Lagos will help to reinforce our reputation as the stylish, forward thinking global leader of hospitality, helping make travelling easier with our smart design, innovative restaurant concepts, authentic hospitality and commitment to the global community."

With its abundant supply of natural resources, well developed financial, communications and legal sectors and the second largest stock exchange on the continent, Nigeria is regarded as an economic powerhouse within Africa. A progressive country, Nigeria is capable of reaping the benefits of its previously untapped mineral wealth for many years to come. Within Nigeria, the city of Lagos is widely regarded as the commercial and cultural centre where many of the country's financial institutions and major corporations are headquartered. The Ikoyi district, in Lagos, is a sought-after fashionable enclave of the city's Lagos Island with upscale shopping malls, residences and recreation areas, including one of Africa's largest golf courses.

Valentine Ozigbo, Managing Director & CEO, Transnational Hotels & Tourism Services Ltd said: "We are delighted to continue our strong and enduring relationship with Hilton Worldwide and bring another exceptional Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel to Nigeria and to the business and leisure communities of Lagos."