Upscale and Economy Demand Fuels Further Growth in Regional Turkish Cities

BOLU, Turkey & MCLEAN, Va. - Monday, June 13th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) has signed franchise agreements which will bring new DoubleTree by Hilton properties to Elazig and Izmir Airport, and a new Hampton by Hilton hotel to Bolu. The hotels are expected to open later this year, and join 74 Hilton properties trading or under development across Turkey.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, said: “Home to our longest serving hotel outside of the United States, Hilton Worldwide has an incredible legacy in Turkey. Over the past 60 years we have witnessed the emergence of new market segments and growing demand in regional cities – reflected in today’s agreements to bring spectacular hotels to Izmir, Elazig and Bolu. Hilton’s 74-strong portfolio is testament to our long-term commitment to Turkey as an important European travel destination.”

Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands, Hilton Worldwide said: “In just five years since we introduced DoubleTree by Hilton to Turkey, our full service brand has proved to be a popular addition to the market – with hotels either open or under construction in more than 17 locations across the country. Alongside Bolu, which will soon welcome its first Hampton by Hilton, Izmir and Elazig will be the latest cities to experience DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature welcoming hospitality.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Elazig

Following a franchise agreement with Tahabey Otelcilik Otomotiv Inşaat Emlakçilik Sanayi Ticaret Ltd. Şti., DoubleTree by Hilton Elazig is expected to welcome its first guests in Q3 2016. The 110 guestroom hotel will undergo a $16 million renovation prior to conversion and will incorporate three outstanding food and beverage outlets, including one of the city’s only roof-top bars. The hotel will be Hilton Worldwide’s first in Elazig, a significant contributor to the Turkish economy due to its thriving mining and metal industries. Situated in the city centre, DoubleTree by Hilton Elazig will be well placed to cater for business and leisure travellers, with transport links to nearby Harput - an important historical sight in Turkey.

DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir Airport

The 90 guestroom DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir Airport is set to open in mid-2016 following a franchise agreement with Kepi Group. The hotel will be spread across three floors and boast an on-site garden and pool area, offering transient travellers to Izmir Airport a relaxing retreat. Currently ranked as Turkey’s fourth largest airport in terms of passenger traffic with 11 million passengers passing through its gates in 2015, Izmir Airport serves as a transport hub for the province and plans are in place to expand its capacity with a new domestic terminal.1 Recognised as an important travel destination for leisure and business travellers, Izmir has an incredibly varied heritage, and is famous for many historical sites such as the bustling Kemeralti Market and Izmir harbour’s famous clock tower.

Hampton by Hilton Bolu

With 149 guest rooms and a range of guest amenities, Hampton by Hilton Bolu marks Hilton Worldwide’s debut in the northern Turkish region of Bolu and will be the first internationally branded hotel in the rapidly growing city. The new hotel is owned by Carikci Trans and is expected to open before the end of the year, joining 15 Hampton by Hilton properties trading or under development in Turkey.

DoubleTree by Hilton Elazig will be located at Kultur Mah., Vali Fahri Bey Cad. No: 35, Elazig. DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir Airport will be located at Fatih Mh. 193 Sk. N:8 Sarnic¸ - Gaziemir, Izmir. Hampton by Hilton Bolu, Merkez Ilçesi, Sandallar Mah, Kozluk Mevkii, 1804 Ada, 4 Parsel. Media can access additional information about DoubleTree by Hilton at news.doubletree.com.

1 Izmir Airport

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,660 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with nearly 765,000 rooms in 102 countries and territories. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree 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. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including preferred pricing, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About DoubleTree by Hilton

DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing, global collection of more than 460 upscale hotels with more than 111,000 rooms in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents. Everything about DoubleTree by Hilton aims to return the human touch to travel, starting with the presentation of a warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival and continuing throughout with Team Members dedicated to Creating a Rewarding Experience (CARE) for hotel guests, other Team Members and the communities the brand proudly serves. DoubleTree by Hilton properties offer unique, contemporary accommodations and full-service facilities including restaurants and lounges, room service, health clubs, business centers and meeting and banquet space. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive instant benefits, including an exclusive discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key (selected locations) available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app. To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at facebook.com/doubletree, twitter.com/doubletree and youtube.com/doubletreehotels. Reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at news.doubletree.com for more information.

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Contacts

Tilly Shirlaw

Hilton Worldwide - Europe

tilly.shirlaw@hilton.com

+44 (0) 20 7856 8723

Christine Miller

Hilton Worldwide - Global

christine.miller@hilton.com

+1 901 374 6462     

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