Hilton Hotels Corporation on Friday announced the introduction of the Doubletree by Hilton brand in Africa, with the signing of two franchise license agreements in Tanzania with the owners of the Opulent Hotel Group.

The new-build Doubletree by Hilton Dar Es Salaam, Oyster Bay is located on the sea at Masaki, a popular suburb of Tanzania’s capital Dar Es Salaam, and 20 kilometres east of the international airport.

The Doubletree by Hilton Dar Es Salaam, Oyster Bay and the Doubletree by Hilton Resort Zanzibar, Nungwi are scheduled to open by October 2009, said a senior official.

“Our belief is that guests and investors should be able to choose between a multitude of brands each offering a range of services relevant to their travel needs, whether travelling on business or for pleasure," remarked Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, Development, Hilton Hotels, Europe & Africa.

"Tanzania as a whole has seen an increase in international tourist arrivals, as well as domestic and intra-regional travel, leading to high demand for quality hotel accommodation. Hence we are delighted to further the growth of the Hilton Family with the first Doubletree by Hilton agreements in the African continent."

"We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the Opulent Hotel Group as more opportunities arise in East Africa," he added.

With a fast-growing network that spans more than 200 locations around the world, Doubletree by Hilton will introduce business and leisure travellers in Africa to the brand’s longstanding tradition of distinctively designed hotels that reflect the destination and surrounding area.

Other Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors® loyalty programme and a unique caring commitment to the communities in which they operate.

“Doubletree offers a wide variety of distinctively designed upscale hotels and resorts in some of the most sought after business and leisure destinations around the world. There are numerous opportunities to build the Doubletree by Hilton brand further in Africa and it is exciting to begin this journey by introducing such outstanding locations like Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar later this year,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, Doubletree Brand.

The new hotel will feature 158 rooms, an all-day restaurant, a café, outdoor swimming pool with pool bars, meeting rooms and business centre. The popular Slipway shopping and dining district is nearby.

Doubletree by Hilton Resort Zanzibar, Nungwi on the north coast of Zanzibar Island, features 101 rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool, gym, spa and health club facilities, all of which have been extensively and beautifully refurbished.

“We are delighted to work with such a respected brand like Hilton and look forward to introducing the Doubletree by Hilton experience to Africa," said Alkarim Nathoo, associate director, Opulent Hotel Group.

"With its heritage of warm hospitality and attention to detail, Doubletree by Hilton will lend a rounded, individual touch to the hospitality offerings here, and will help further position Tanzania as an international tourist destination, as well as ensuring these two hotels integrate fully into the Tanzanian community,” he added.

Hilton Hotels has a large brand footprint in Middle East & Africa with 42 hotels across 13 countries. There are nine Hilton branded hotels currently operating in Africa, with another five in the pipeline.-TradeArabia News Service