Hilton Hotels & Resorts®

Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a franchise agreement with AD UTIP Crna Gora to open a new Hilton hotel in Podgorica, Montenegro. Scheduled to open by the end of 2012, Hilton Podgorica Montenegro is Hilton Worldwide's first hotel signing in the country and will see the multi-million euro redevelopment of a historic building in the city.

Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said: "This latest announcement marks the continued growth of our forward thinking Hilton brand in Europe and we look forward to providing our world class hospitality to guests in Podgorica, Montenegro."

The 200 guest room Hilton Podgorica Montenegro will enjoy a prominent location in the centre of Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro. The historical site has operated as a hotel since 1952 and before opening as a Hilton hotel will undergo significant renovations and re-design, resulting in an enhanced guest offering.

The signing marks the continued expansion of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in Europe. The hotel is joining a fast growing portfolio of stylish and forward thinking hotels in the region, including the recently opened Hilton The Hague and Hilton Gdansk, with many more iconic properties being opened in the next few years.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development for Hilton Worldwide in Europe and Africa, commented: "This latest Hilton Worldwide signing in the sovereign state of Montenegro demonstrates the wide ranging appeal of our brands to investors and guests alike. With many of our world class brands building their presence in Eastern Europe, this hotel marks our entry into Montenegro and we believe will be a successful addition to our European portfolio."

Podgorica is the largest city in Montenegro and is home to the main seat of government administration as well as the country's economic, cultural and educational centres. Tourism in Montenegro has been a growing part of the country's economy since the 1980s; with visitors enjoying the beautiful architecture, picturesque lakes and mountain scenery and the premium visitor attractions of the Adriatic coast. The city also acts as a transport hub in soueastern Europe, with links to Serbia, Bosnia and to the coastal ports.

When open, guests will be able to enjoy newly designed bedrooms, a spa and wellness centre, restaurant, bar and bistro. The hotel will offer 900 square metres of event space with a ballroom and an original grand staircase as a focal point. Hilton Podgorica Montenegro forms part of a wider mixed use development that will also include a new luxury retail centre and casino.

Žarko Burić, managing director, AD UTIP Crna Gora and owner of Hilton Podgorica Montenegro, said: "I am delighted to be working with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, a brand synonymous with first-class hospitality around the world. I strongly believe this is a significant step for my company and the city of Podgorica."

In neighbouring Croatia, Hilton has been represented since 2005 with Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, located some 130km from Podgorica by road. Transport routed across the Adriatic Sea will provide travellers with easy access to and from Italy and Greece. The Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand welcomes the world's travellers in more countries than any other upscale brand, with more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts | Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton Hotels & Resorts enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at .

About Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, please visit .

John Forrest Ales
703-883-5212
Hilton