Russia Becomes Hilton Worldwide's Largest European Growth Market

Hilton Worldwide today announced growth in its Russian presence, confirming four new hotel signings and potential for a further 11 as part of a multi-site development agreement. The four new hotel signings add almost 1,000 bedrooms to the pipeline and the multi-site development agreement is expected to bring an additional 1,500 plus bedrooms. With 23 hotels that are either trading or under development across the country, these latest signings place the Russian market as the leading development pipeline for Hilton Worldwide in Europe.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe and Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, "Russia has been one of our main focus markets for several years and is now leading the European region. We are delighted to announce almost 1,000 new bedrooms with a further 1,500 through a multi-site development agreement for hotel projects across Russia. By the end of 2012 we expect to have opened at least four more hotels and look forward to welcoming guests to our expanding portfolio."

Osnova Development LLC Multi-site AgreementFollowing the signing of a multi-site development agreement with Osnova Development LLC, approximately 1,500 bedrooms will be developed in multiple Russian locations. These are expected to be predominantly Hampton by Hilton hotels, with scope for some Hilton Garden Inn properties. The previously announced Hampton by Hilton Voronezh forms part of this agreement, along with a commitment for at least a further 11 hotels in target locations such as Volgograd, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don and Ufa.

Hilton KazanA management agreement with Eastfield Kazan LLC, will see a 202 bedroom Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel expected to open in spring 2014. Located in the central business district of the city and forming part of a mixed use development, the hotel is easily accessible by main road as well as from the city's airport. The hotel will offer an all day dining restaurant and bar, a grand ballroom of approximately 400 square metres and further 11 meeting rooms, business centre, and health club with indoor swimming pool.

DoubleTree by Hilton Moscow Vnukovo Airport
A management agreement with Vnukovo Hotels CJSC, will bring a 432 bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton hotel to the airport in early 2013. Located directly opposite the main terminal building, the hotel will have an unrivalled position and will provide direct access via an underground tunnel link to the airport's new terminal building and train station. Guests will also be able to enjoy an all day dining restaurant, bar and coffee shop as well as health club with fitness facility and indoor swimming pool. The hotel will provide more than 1,700 square metres of events space, including a grand ballroom of approximately 450 square metres.

Hilton Garden Inn Volgograd
Following the signing of a franchise agreement with Business-Group SINHRO LLC, the 158 bedroom hotel is expected to open at the end of 2012. Hilton Garden Inn Volgograd is located in the northern part of the central business district within easy reach of transport hubs including the city airport. The hotel will provide the Hilton Garden Inn brand's key signature offerings which include the ergonomic Mirra chair by Herman Miller - ideal for travellers looking for a good night's sleep and comfortable stay. There will also be a 24 hour business centre and complimentary high speed Wi-Fi internet access throughout and fitness centre. The hotel will provide more than 310 square metres of events space.

Hampton by Hilton Volgograd Profsoyuznaya
A franchise agreement with Market LLC, will see the 156 bedroom hotel open late 2013. Hampton by Hilton Volgograd Profsoyuznaya is located in the southern part of the central business district within easy reach of transport hubs including the city airport. Guests will benefit from meeting space of approximately 75 square metres and car parking. The hotel will be designed and styled to appeal to business and leisure travelers, offering best-in-class service and comfort. Additional guest amenities will include, free high speed internet access throughout, free on the house hot breakfast, a 24-hour business center, snack area, bar and fitness centre

Hilton Worldwide opened the first of its three hotels in Russia in 2008 and by the end of 2012 expects to have opened at least a further four hotels across the country. The next opening is expected to be the Hilton Garden Inn Krasnodar in spring 2012, followed by Hampton by Hilton Voronezh in summer 2012. As strategic development market, the company most recently announced the signing of a dual branded Hilton and Hampton by Hilton project in St. Petersburg's new Expoforum convention centre which is due to open in early 2014.