Hilton Worldwide Agrees First Hotel To Open In Botswana

Hilton Worldwide on Thurday announced the signing of a management agreement with Fleming Asset Management Botswana, on behalf of Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund, to open the mid-market Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone.

Located in the capital and largest city of Botswana, the signing marks Hilton Worldwide's first hotel agreed in the country and will offer travellers' the perfect base for both business and leisure visits.

"With 13 Hilton Garden Inn locations now confirmed across Africa, I am delighted that we have agreed our first hotel in Botswana," said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Europe & Africa for Hilton Worldwide. "Botswana has one of the fast growing economies in the world and an impressive visitor offering - resulting in an excellent opportunity for hotel development as we exceed 70 Hilton Worldwide properties either trading or under development across Africa."

Expected to open in 2017, the hotel forms part of a new and fast evolving commercial  business district of the city, and will be just thirteen kilometers from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.  Gaborone acts as a gateway to the natural beauty of Botswana which includes national parks such the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Okavango Delta. The country is also famous for its mining industries, including for diamonds and the significant coal-rich deposits.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Hilton Worldwide to open Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, bringing the renowned hospitality of Hilton to Botswana for the first time. The hotel will provide travellers with the perfect base for their visit here, showcasing our diverse economy, superb tourism options and friendly people," said, Peter McC van Riet-Lowe, CEO of Fleming Asset Management Botswana.

Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone will feature 150 guest rooms offering signature bedding, a healthclub and outdoor swimming pool; as well as F&B options including an all-day dining restaurant, bar and 24-hour Pavilion Pantry.  Guests will also have accces to a 24-hour business center, complimentary Wi-Fi and benefit from more than 400 square meters of meeting space.

"With more than 639 Hilton Garden Inn hotels globally, we are pleased to be adding Botswana to our portfolio of destinations," said Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. "Hilton Garden Inn is known across the world for offering amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while away from home. We are confident that Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone will serve the needs of travellers seeking a trusted international hotel brand that is upscale, yet affordable."