DoubleTree by Hilton announces growth in Iraq

[Aslan]

A new build, 223-room DoubleTree by Hilton Sulaymaniyah is expected to open in early 2015, following the signing of a management agreement with Kurdonia Company for Tourism & Hospitality, owned fully by Hiwa Rauf Company.

The hotel is set to be the third Hilton Worldwide pipeline property in Kurdistan, Iraq and the first for Sulaymaniyah, a region reportedly experiencing rapid expansion and a growing international commercial reputation.

DoubleTree by Hilton Sulaymaniyah is due to be located on the main city thoroughfare and within the new central business district. It is also said to be close to Sulaymaniyah International Airport.

President – Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, Rudi Jagersbacher commented: “Hilton Worldwide’s innovative spirit is very much alive and well as we continue to expand our presence and explore exciting new markets.

“The Iraq Kurdistan region is attracting increasing numbers of international travellers which is fuelling demand for quality hotel accommodation, particularly in gateway cities like Sulaymaniyah. Today’s signing of such a well located property will help us to meet that growing demand with dedicated first-class facilities and service.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Sulaymaniyah is set to boast a range of accommodations comprising 173 rooms, including 10 suites, alongside 56 multi-sized serviced apartments.

The hotel is to feature two boardrooms, five meeting rooms and a business centre as well as a large multi-purpose ballroom. Hotel amenities are to include a health club, an indoor and outdoor pool, a children’s club and a multi-sensory spa facility. Dining options are to offer one specialty and all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and a destination bar.

Global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, John Greenleaf added: “With today’s signing we have two distinctive DoubleTree hotels scheduled to open in the flourishing Kurdistan region by 2015, both of which are ideally suited to meet the diverse business, leisure and lifestyle demands of the city.

“We see great potential in this area of the Middle East and look forward to bringing our signature style, service and forward thinking approach to this new market.”