ASIA – Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Eden Group Company for five Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Myanmar.
Hilton Worldwide says the partnership with Eden Group represents another significant milestone in its expansion in Myanmar, following the company’s announcement in 2013 as the first western hotel group to have signed an agreement to operate a hotel in the country.
Under the agreement with Eden Group, two of the Group’s recently opened properties in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, and on Ngpali beach in Rakhine State will be rebranded as Hilton Nay Pyi Taw and Hilton Ngapali Beach Resort respectively.
The hotels are scheduled to welcome their first guests as Hilton hotels in October 2014.
Three other hotels will open in the next three years, namely: Hilton Bagan and Hilton Inle Lake in 2016 and then the Hilton Mandalay in 2017.
As it expands its footprint in Myanmar, Hilton Worldwide says it is committed to building upon its corporate responsibility strategy, Travel with Purpose, to create opportunities for individuals, as well as explore partnership prospects with local communities.
Martin Rinck, President of Asia Pacific at Hilton Worldwide said: “We are delighted to continue our strategic growth in Myanmar and to significantly increase our footprint with this deal, which will allow us to contribute economically and socially to this country.”
Following social and economic reforms in Myanmar over the past few years, the country has witnessed 2,044,307 tourist arrivals in 2013, an increase of over 90 per cent visitors from 2012. Given the anticipated growth in visitors, it is expected that the demand for rooms will outpace supply in the next five to 10 years.
Rob Palleschi, Global Head at Hilton Hotels & Resorts (pictured), said: “We continue to build upon the pioneering spirit of our founding father, Conrad Hilton, by entering new and exciting markets, and are delighted to add five Hilton Hotels & Resorts flags in attractive destinations within the emerging market of Myanmar.
“With over 550 properties across six continents, we remain committed to provide culturally-relevant, modern accommodations and a complete range of facilities and services to meet the needs of global travellers.”
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