Latest news with #GuyHutchinson


ME Construction
07-07-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
Hilton on track to hit 100 hotel milestone in Saudi Arabia
Hilton has reiterated its commitment to Saudi Arabia, stating that it is on track to operate and pipeline 100 hotels this year. The move reflects its long-term dedication to growth in the Kingdom. Hilton said it is actively introducing more of its award winning brands to the country, with 14 brands currently trading and in the pipeline. As part of its growth strategy, the company anticipates multiple new signings, aiming to add over 21,000 rooms across various locations in Saudi Arabia. The hospitality brand's premium economy offering, Spark by Hilton, is making its debut in the Middle East and Africa with a new signing. Since its launch in 2023, Spark by Hilton has been at the forefront of innovation, uniquely positioned to grow and scale rapidly. The brand offers a simple, inspired design, comfortable guest rooms, and a complimentary breakfast. Spark by Hilton is also conversion-friendly, providing reliable essentials and friendly service for every guest at an accessible price point, the firm company said in a statement. Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton said, 'Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are proud to be playing a leading role in it becoming a top global tourism destination. The Kingdom offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern lifestyle developments. Our diverse portfolio – spanning luxury and lifestyle, through to premium economy and midscale brands – will help broaden the appeal for today's discerning travellers. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, our growing hotel pipeline is set to generate over 15,000 job opportunities, with a significant focus on employing Saudi nationals.' Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton added, 'We are excited about reaching 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, as we continue to diversify our footprint and introduce more of our global brands across both established and emerging destinations. Our continued partnership with Al Musbah Group is testament to this growth and our commitment to supporting private sector development in the Saudi tourism industry.' 'We are proud to have Al Musbah Group as part of our highly valued ownership community and to be working with them to introduce the region's first Spark by Hilton in Makkah. With two-thirds of our pipeline in Saudi Arabia already under construction, we look forward to continuing our work with new and existing owners to deliver more hotels at all price points for guests across the kingdom,' Khneisser continued. Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah, is set to open later this year, marking its debut in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The 329-guest room property will offer a variety of guest rooms, including twin-bed and triple-bed options. Located to the east of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah's Aziziyah district, the hotel is said to be conveniently situated near the religiously significant area of Mina, a crucial site during the Hajj pilgrimage.


Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof makes its debut in South Africa
Nestled in Cape Town's Longkloof neighbourhood, a historic district revitalised by Growthpoint Properties, which features a newly opened shopping centre, several office spaces, and a tech startup hub, the hotel perfectly reflects the spirit of the neighbourhood. 'South Africa saw nearly nine million visitors in 2024 and offers travellers beautiful tourist attractions, vibrant culture and outstanding dining. Hilton has enjoyed a presence in South Africa for more than three decades, and this new opening represents a significant milestone for us in a country where we continue to see great opportunity,' said Guy Hutchinson, president, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. 'We are delighted to debut Canopy by Hilton and look forward to welcoming guests to Cape Town to experience a locally inspired, and welcoming stay.' The 154-key property features Chef Bertus Basson's newest restaurant, Ongetem, a fitness centre, and thoughtfully designed public spaces that reflect the colourful spirit of the neighbourhood. First look The hotel's façade features distinctive red bricks, carefully preserved to reflect the history of the 112-year-old Longkloof neighbourhood. Image by Evan-Lee Courie To make the property feel like an extension of Longkloof, the hotel's public areas feature inspiring design, abundant natural lighting and buzzing energy – drawing in guests and locals alike. Image by Evan-Lee Courie The thoughtfully designed Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof hotel blends upscale comfort with the charm of Cape Town's rich cultural tapestry, featuring custom art pieces that reflect the neighbourhood's creative spirit, articulated in a Cape Malay colour palette, and inspired by fynbos, the ocean and nearby Bo-Kaap on different floors. Image by Evan-Lee Courie Image by Evan-Lee Courie Inside the hotel, the 154 guest rooms are spacious and modern, with each room featuring a signature canopy above the bed adorned with colourful South African prints. An eclectic mix of artisan-crafted furnishings and locally inspired design, including a curated collection of paintings from local artists, adorn the property. Image by Evan-Lee Courie Image by Evan-Lee Courie 'Introducing Canopy by Hilton to South Africa is a meaningful step for our brand. Cape Town's vibrant culture, creative energy and culinary richness align beautifully with our commitment to offering locally inspired stays,' said Jenna Hackett, global lifestyle category leader, Hilton. 'At Canopy Cape Town, guests will find thoughtful design, a strong connection to the neighborhood, and experiences that reflect the city's dynamic spirit, from the bold flavors of Ongetem to the curated art throughout the hotel. This opening represents our continued focus on growing in destinations that celebrate community, creativity, and a sense of place.' A culinary destination Ongetem, the hotel's signature restaurant and bar, brings a fearless energy to the city's dining scene. Led by acclaimed chef Bertus Basson, whose approach draws from South Africa's rich culinary heritage, the menu blends bold local flavours with a modern twist. Image by Evan-Lee Courie Ongetem – which translates to 'untamed' – is anchored by the guiding philosophy of 'Butcher, Baker, Cocktail Maker' and delivers a vibrant dining experience, from flame-grilled meats and fresh pastries to handcrafted cocktails infused with local botanicals. Designed as a gathering place for locals and guests alike, the space is set to earn its name in Cape Town's dynamic food culture, elevated by playful, design-forward interiors that celebrate community and craft. Located in the sought-after City Bowl area, Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof is a short 10-minute drive to the scenic Table Mountain. It is also 20 minutes away from Cape Town International Airport and 10 minutes from the Cape Town International Convention Centre and has easy access to the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, as well as to popular landmarks such as Signal Hill, the Museum Precinct and the V&A Waterfront. The property joins Hilton's seven hotels in South Africa, including Hilton Durban, DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside and Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch as well as three hotels under development. Wouter de Vos, Growthpoint's Regional Head: Western Cape, adds that the hotel is the perfect complement to the mix of uses and tenancies in the Longkloof precinct. Wouter de Vos, Growthpoint's Regional Head: Western Cape at the official opening of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof. Image by Evan-Lee Courie 'We are proud to welcome Canopy by Hilton to South Africa, which brings fresh, dynamic energy to the city's hospitality scene, and captures the character, culture and creative charm of its location.' Andreas Lackner, vice president of operations, Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton, says, 'We are delighted to start welcoming guests to the much-anticipated Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof and are proud to be the centrepiece of the iconic precinct. We congratulate our partners at Growthpoint for completing the development of Longkloof, revitalising the historic precinct with this world-class hotel, an attractive public square and more. The neighbourhood is set to be a destination in its own right, and we are pleased to be at the heart of it.' All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hilton set to hit 100 hotels milestone in Saudi Arabia
Global hospitality major Hilton has announced that it is on track to operate and pipeline 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia this year – reaffirming its long-term commitment to growth across the kingdom. The global hospitality company continues to introduce more of its award-winning brands to the country, with 14 brands trading and in the pipeline, it stated. Hilton said as part of its growth strategy, it is set for multiple new signings with plans to add more than 21,000 rooms in locations across the country. The new signing marks the debut of Hilton's premium economy brand, Spark by Hilton, in the Middle East and Africa. Since its launch in 2023, Spark by Hilton has been at the forefront of innovation and is uniquely positioned to grow and scale quickly. Offering a simple, inspired design, comfortable guest rooms and a complimentary breakfast, the conversion-friendly, premium economy brand delivers reliable essentials and friendly service for every guest at an accessible price point. Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton said: "Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are proud to be playing a leading role in it becoming a top global tourism destination. The kingdom offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern lifestyle developments." "Our diverse portfolio – spanning luxury and lifestyle, through to premium economy and midscale brands – will help broaden the appeal for today's discerning travellers. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, our growing hotel pipeline is set to generate over 15,000 job opportunities, with a significant focus on employing Saudi nationals," he stated. Commenting on Hilton's momentum in the kingdom, Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: "We are excited about reaching 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, as we continue to diversify our footprint and introduce more of our global brands across both established and emerging destinations." "Our continued partnership with Al Musbah Group is testament to this growth and our commitment to supporting private sector development in the Saudi tourism industry. We are proud to have Al Musbah Group as part of our highly valued ownership community and to be working with them to introduce the region's first Spark by Hilton in Makkah," he stated. "With two-thirds of our pipeline in Saudi Arabia already under construction, we look forward to continuing our work with new and existing owners to deliver more hotels at all price points for guests across the kingdom," he added. Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is set to open later this year, marking the brand's debut in the MEA region. The 329-guest room property will offer twin-bed and triple-bed guest rooms. Located to the east of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah's Aziziyah district, near the religiously significant area of Mina, a key site during Hajj with direct train access to Arafat, the hotel is ideally situated to serve pilgrims. The site is surrounded by commercial outlets and hotels that cater to religious travellers year-round. Developed by Al Musbah Group, Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is one of several Hilton projects underway with the group across Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam, it stated. "Spark by Hilton adds to Hilton's growing midscale presence across established and up-and-coming cities in the Kingdom, complementing existing brands such as Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn, which together account for one-third of the company's hotel pipeline," remarked Khneisser. Recent signings include Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn properties in Jeddah, Jizan, and Abha, as well as at the NEOM Community site. In Makkah, Hilton is partnering with Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company to open the world's largest Hilton Garden Inn, featuring 1,560 guest rooms. Hilton has also partnered with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open the region's first Home2 Suites by Hilton in the Middle East in Madinah, alongside properties under the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton brands, he added. According to him, Hilton continues to bolster its luxury presence across the kingdom with its iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts brands. These include a multi-property agreement at The Avenues - Riyadh, the Kingdom's largest mixed-use development, which will be home to a Waldorf Astoria and a Conrad, as well as a Waldorf Astoria in Diriyah Gate – one of Saudi Arabia's iconic giga-projects, and Madinah's first Waldorf Astoria. The company has also partnered with Rua Al Madinah Holding to open three hotels in the holy city including a luxury property under the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand, as well as with Dan Co, a PIF subsidiary, to open an LXR agritourism resort in Al Ahsa. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Trade Arabia
29-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Hilton set to hit 100 hotels milestone in Saudi Arabia
Global hospitality major Hilton has announced that it is on track to operate and pipeline 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia this year – reaffirming its long-term commitment to growth across the kingdom. The global hospitality company continues to introduce more of its award-winning brands to the country, with 14 brands trading and in the pipeline, it stated. Hilton said as part of its growth strategy, it is set for multiple new signings with plans to add more than 21,000 rooms in locations across the country. The new signing marks the debut of Hilton's premium economy brand, Spark by Hilton, in the Middle East and Africa. Since its launch in 2023, Spark by Hilton has been at the forefront of innovation and is uniquely positioned to grow and scale quickly. Offering a simple, inspired design, comfortable guest rooms and a complimentary breakfast, the conversion-friendly, premium economy brand delivers reliable essentials and friendly service for every guest at an accessible price point. Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton said: "Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are proud to be playing a leading role in it becoming a top global tourism destination. The kingdom offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern lifestyle developments." "Our diverse portfolio – spanning luxury and lifestyle, through to premium economy and midscale brands – will help broaden the appeal for today's discerning travellers. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, our growing hotel pipeline is set to generate over 15,000 job opportunities, with a significant focus on employing Saudi nationals," he stated. Commenting on Hilton's momentum in the kingdom, Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: "We are excited about reaching 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, as we continue to diversify our footprint and introduce more of our global brands across both established and emerging destinations." "Our continued partnership with Al Musbah Group is testament to this growth and our commitment to supporting private sector development in the Saudi tourism industry. We are proud to have Al Musbah Group as part of our highly valued ownership community and to be working with them to introduce the region's first Spark by Hilton in Makkah," he stated. "With two-thirds of our pipeline in Saudi Arabia already under construction, we look forward to continuing our work with new and existing owners to deliver more hotels at all price points for guests across the kingdom," he added. Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is set to open later this year, marking the brand's debut in the MEA region. The 329-guest room property will offer twin-bed and triple-bed guest rooms. Located to the east of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah's Aziziyah district, near the religiously significant area of Mina, a key site during Hajj with direct train access to Arafat, the hotel is ideally situated to serve pilgrims. The site is surrounded by commercial outlets and hotels that cater to religious travellers year-round. Developed by Al Musbah Group, Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is one of several Hilton projects underway with the group across Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam, it stated. "Spark by Hilton adds to Hilton's growing midscale presence across established and up-and-coming cities in the Kingdom, complementing existing brands such as Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn, which together account for one-third of the company's hotel pipeline," remarked Khneisser. Recent signings include Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn properties in Jeddah, Jizan, and Abha, as well as at the NEOM Community site. In Makkah, Hilton is partnering with Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company to open the world's largest Hilton Garden Inn, featuring 1,560 guest rooms. Hilton has also partnered with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open the region's first Home2 Suites by Hilton in the Middle East in Madinah, alongside properties under the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton brands, he added. According to him, Hilton continues to bolster its luxury presence across the kingdom with its iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts brands. These include a multi-property agreement at The Avenues - Riyadh, the Kingdom's largest mixed-use development, which will be home to a Waldorf Astoria and a Conrad, as well as a Waldorf Astoria in Diriyah Gate – one of Saudi Arabia's iconic giga-projects, and Madinah's first Waldorf Astoria.


Arab News
17-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Hilton to hit 100-hotel milestone in Saudi Arabia
Hilton is set to hit the milestone of 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia this year — reaffirming its long-term commitment to growth across the Kingdom. The global hospitality company continues to introduce more of its award-winning brands to the country, with 14 brands trading and in the pipeline, and has announced multiple new signings with plans to add more than 21,000 rooms in locations across the country. Guy Hutchinson, president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton said: 'Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are proud to be playing a leading role in it becoming a top global tourism destination. The Kingdom offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern lifestyle developments. Our diverse portfolio — spanning luxury and lifestyle, through to premium economy and midscale brands — will help broaden the appeal for today's discerning travelers. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, our growing hotel pipeline is set to generate over 15,000 job opportunities, with a significant focus on employing Saudi nationals.' Commenting on Hilton's momentum in the Kingdom, Carlos Khneisser, vice president, development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: 'We are excited about reaching 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, as we continue to diversify our footprint and introduce more of our global brands across both established and emerging destinations. Our continued partnership with Al-Musbah Group is testament to this growth and our commitment to supporting private sector development in the Saudi tourism industry. We are proud to have Al-Musbah Group as part of our highly valued ownership community and to be working with them to introduce the region's first Spark by Hilton in Makkah. With two-thirds of our pipeline in Saudi Arabia already under construction, we look forward to continuing our work with new and existing owners to deliver more hotels at all price points for guests across the Kingdom.' The new signing marks the debut of Hilton's premium economy brand, Spark by Hilton, in the Middle East and Africa. Since its launch in 2023, Spark by Hilton has been at the forefront of innovation and is uniquely positioned to grow and scale quickly. Offering a simple, inspired design, comfortable guest rooms and a complimentary breakfast, the conversion-friendly, premium economy brand delivers reliable essentials and friendly service for every guest at an accessible price point. Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is set to open later this year, marking the brand's debut in the MEA region. The 329-guest room property will offer twin-bed and triple-bed guest rooms. Located to the east of Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah's Aziziyah district, near the religiously significant area of Mina, a key site during Hajj with direct train access to Arafat, the hotel is ideally situated to serve pilgrims. The site is surrounded by commercial outlets and hotels that cater to religious travelers year-round. Developed by Al-Musbah Group, Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is one of several Hilton projects underway with the group across Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam. Spark by Hilton adds to Hilton's growing midscale presence across established and up-and-coming cities in the Kingdom, complementing existing brands such as Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn, which together account for one-third of the company's hotel pipeline. Recent signings include Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn properties in Jeddah, Jazan, and Abha, as well as at the NEOM Community site. In Makkah, Hilton is partnering with Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Company to open the world's largest Hilton Garden Inn, featuring 1,560 guest rooms. Hilton has also partnered with Knowledge Economic City to open the region's first Home2 Suites by Hilton in the Middle East in Madinah, alongside properties under the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton brands.