Hilton Worldwide opens regional office in South Africa

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa and Jan Van Der Putten, vice president of operations, Hilton Worldwide, Africa & Indian Ocean officially open the regional office in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Designed to drive growth opportunities and spearhead activities across the continent, the newly opened office, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a milestone in Hilton Worldwide's 50+ year history in Africa and a tangible symbol of the company's future dedication and commitment to the region.

The new regional office gives Hilton Worldwide a firm foundation to build its growing business, develop potential and existing properties and to entrench the company as the pre-eminent hospitality company across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

Multiple properties and more in the pipeline

"Hilton Worldwide has 33 hotels across Africa and Indian Ocean and a further 19 in the property pipeline, placing us in a strong position for future regional growth. Countries such as Mauritius and Seychelles remain favourable tourist destinations for travellers from Africa and across the region, giving us a sound rationale to combine portfolios and drive growth from one central point," explained Chris Nassetta, Hilton Worldwide's global president and CEO.

Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa added: "In 2012 Africa's projected growth rate is 6% which gives us confidence to invest even further. Our long term goal is to have a Hilton hotel in every key city across the continent and as we watch Africa turn into a global market player, we want to be present alongside its successes. The next few years promise to bring a wide range of opportunities, including the opening of hotels in new markets such as Sierra Leone, Chad and Uganda."

Hilton Worldwide recently announced that Pezula Resort & Spa, one of South Africa's leading resorts, is set to join the luxury portfolio of Conrad Hotels & Resorts following the signing of a management agreement with resort owners, Alderney Establishment. Located in the ever popular tourist hotspot of Knysna, between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on the picturesque Garden Route Southern coastline, Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa is expected to rebrand in November 2012.

The new regional office will be headed by Hilton Worldwide vice president for Africa & Indian Ocean, Jan Van Der Putten, a 25-year veteran in the hospitality industry and part of the Hilton Worldwide senior operational team since 1986.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.