Hilton Hotels signs deal for new Doha property

Hilton Hotels Corporation said on Sunday it had signed a deal with the New Doha Hotels Company for the Hilton Doha Residence in Qatar, scheduled to open in 2012.

The 288-apartment residence will be Hilton's second property in Qatar following the Hilton Doha which is currently under development.

Ivor McBurney, Vice President, Development, Hilton Hotels, Middle East, said: "The [Qatar] government's initiative to boost the tourism sector in the region and raise the average length of stay from 1.5 to 4 days provides us with the perfect market opportunity to launch Hilton Doha Residence."

The new-build residence, which is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2012, will feature about 288 studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. On-site facilities will include a restaurant, health club, outdoor swimming pool and car park.

With an estimated GDP income per capita of $85,867 per annum, Qatar is among the richest countries in the world and is rapidly becoming a key business and MICE destination with the aim to welcome 1.5 million visitors by next year.

Hilton Hotels has a large brand footprint in the Middle East and Africa with 41 hotels across 13 countries, and another 20 properties in the pipeline.

The company will mark its entry into the Qatar market with the 324-room Hilton Doha scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2010.

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