Hilton comes to Rwanda

KIGALI - Another global hotel brand has announced its entry into the Rwandan market, shortly after yet another brand, Marriott Hotel, announced plans to venture into the country’s hospitality industry.

Saturday, May 15, 2010
RDB boss John Gara (File Photo)

KIGALI - Another global hotel brand has announced its entry into the Rwandan market, shortly after yet another brand, Marriott Hotel, announced plans to venture into the country’s hospitality industry.

Opulent Hotel Group on Thursday announced its plans to build a Hilton brand hotel as well as upscale residences in Kigali.

As a consolidated move to their commitment, they have acquired 10 acres of Kigali City Park worth US$ 1.2 million, a prime location property in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda.

This deal was sealed right after the Rwanda Investment Forum which was organized by the Rwanda Development Board and the Commonwealth Business Council that attracted over 350 leaders from business and government, including 110 international delegates from 25 countries.

The director of the group, Ayaz Jivraj, commended Rwanda’s leadership for outstanding governance and stated that Opulent is committed to be part of Rwanda’s development efforts.

"We are delighted that Opulent Hotel Group is setting up the Hilton here. This will raise Rwanda’s hotel accommodation and avail guests and investors a wide variety of brands, each offering a range of services relevant to their travel needs, whether travelling on business or for pleasure,”

"Rwanda is increasingly attracting tourists and visitors, leading to high demand for quality hotel accommodation,” Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO John Gara, said.

He added that RDB is ready to facilitate them and strengthen the relationship with the Opulent Hotel Group as more opportunities are discovered.

The Chairman of Kigali City Park, Jack Kayonga, also commended the group for choosing to invest in Rwanda and pledged support.

"We are glad to contribute to such a signature project in Rwanda that will contribute to our development. We look forward to an enhanced partnership.”

In the last 6 months, the Opulent Hotel Group has opened two world class hotels, the DoubleTree by Hilton in Dar es Salaam and a Double Tree by Hilton Resort in Zanzibar. Hilton Hotels Corporation is a leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,500 hotels in 81 countries and more than 130,000 employees worldwide.

The corporation owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Home2 Suites by Hilton.

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