Hilton and Kuwait-based Alshaya Group have signed an exclusive master development agreement to launch and develop 70 Hampton by Hilton hotels in nine countries with most of them being in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Russia, a press release said recently.

The first hotel is expected to open in Kuwait in 2021. The Alshaya group is expected to deliver another 50 hotels in the next eight years with 20 more in the development pipeline, the release added.

Speaking on this partnership, Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton expressed his delight and said that this not only strengthens their partnership but also expands the global Hampton by Hilton portfolio. “Alshaya has been an important partner, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of pioneering the hospitality industry this year, and we look forward to working together to introduce travellers to Hampton by Hilton in these high-growth destinations,” he said.

According to Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group, there is a growing demand for top-notch accommodation in the region and Hampton by Hilton brand has the potential to fill that gap. He added, “This is an important new partnership for Alshaya, further diversifying our offer to consumers, and allowing us to replicate the global success of Hampton by Hilton in our operating markets.”