Hilton Worldwide is set to open its first hotel in Erbil, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan. Comprising of 200 serviced apartments, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Erbil is expected to open at the end of 2013.
The new hotel will be strategically located on Erbil’s central thoroughfare, close to the recently expanded Erbil International Airport and the Ainkawa district, one of the city’s main retail and entertainment centres.
Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton brand says: “I’m delighted to be bringing our brand to such an important city in the Middle East. DoubleTree by Hilton has built its success on providing high standards of service and quality facilities in gateway cities, which makes it the ideal choice for Erbil’s thriving community.”
Tailored for the needs of long-staying guests, the hotel will feature a business centre, health club, swimming pool, eight meeting rooms, two restaurants and a lobby lounge and bar.
“Erbil’s commercial status is increasing year on year and the city has a growing reputation as an up and coming tourist destination. We have every confidence that the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Erbil will prove popular with the growing number of business and leisure travellers,’ comments Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide
Stephen Lari, principal of The Claremont Group, says: ‘There is so much potential in Kurdistan and particularly the city of Erbil. We’ve seen travel to the region grow considerably over the past couple of years. If that trend is going to continue then further infrastructure is required to support the industry. Hotels are key to that, and with Hilton Worldwide we know we have the right brand and management partner to make this hotel an integral part of the travel industry in the region’.
Pictured here from left to right: president of Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa, Rudi Jagersbacher and Stephen Lari, principal of The Claremont Group
www.hotelandrestaurant.co.za