Hilton has been operating continuously in Africa since 1959 and has 53 properties in its development portfolio/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – New York listed hotel chain Hilton has announced an initial investment of Sh100 million to drive sustainable travel and tourism in Africa.
Speaking at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Nairobi, Hilton’s President Chris Nassetta said the commitment will allow the firm to invest in and scale up initiatives that build skills among young people and mitigate risks in human trafficking.
It will also engage local entrepreneurs across its supply chain improve water efficiencies and promote responsible wildlife-based tourism.
The announcement follows the recent launch of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose 2030 goals to double its investment in social impact and cut its environmental footprint in half across the globe.
“Hilton is committed to creating a positive social and environmental impact in every community where we operate. Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, with equally diverse challenges and opportunities – and as we continue to grow in the region, we are focused on doing so in a way that promotes sustainable travel and tourism,” he said.
The firm is expected to launch Hilton Garden Inn, near JKIA in Nairobi on Thursday.
Hilton has been operating continuously in Africa since 1959 and has 53 properties in its development portfolio.
The hotel chain expects to double its range of hotels on the continent during the next five years, including entering new markets such as Botswana, Ghana, Swaziland, Uganda, Malawi and Rwanda.
“Hilton’s President and CEO’s visit to Africa is timely and sends a strong signal to environmentally conscious investors across the continent. It will set higher standards for future projects in the hospitality industry throughout Africa. Hilton’s growing interest in Africa’s promising and emerging market is a windfall for job creation among youth and will significantly contribute to sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity,” said Leila Ndiaye, President and CEO of the Initiative for Global Development.
Hilton has a portfolio of 14 brands comprising more than 5,400 properties with nearly 880,000 rooms.
The company’s portfolio includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.
On Tuesday, Radisson Hotel Group announced plans to open 10 new hotels on the continent at the ongoing Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Nairobi.
Andrew McLachlan, Senior Vice President, Development, sub-Saharan Africa, Radisson Hotel Group says they will be adding about 1,300 rooms to its portfolio in Africa this year.
