Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with Fideicomiso Santa Marta Hotel to operate a new build Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in the Caribbean port city of Santa Marta, Colombia.

Scheduled to open in 2017, this new Hilton Santa Marta hotel represents the company’s 14th hotel project in Colombia including its portfolio of seven existing operating hotels and seven currently under development.

This latest agreement furthers Hilton Worldwide’s commitment to growth throughout the country.

“We’re excited to bring the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to Santa Marta,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide.

“Hilton Santa Marta will be a welcome addition to our established portfolio in Colombia, perfectly complementing our successful Hilton Bogota and Hilton Cartagena properties, and introducing Santa Marta’s business and leisure travellers to Hilton’s signature brand amenities and hospitality.”

Located on one of the most sought after beach sites in Santa Marta, the beachfront Hilton Santa Marta will form part of the Irotama mixed-use complex in the Bello Horizonte tourist corridor.

Just 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Santa Marta’s downtown and historic city, Hilton Santa Marta will offer guests a prime location on the Caribbean Sea to enjoy the area’s best beaches.

“As Hilton Worldwide continues focusing on Latin America growth, Colombia represents a prime market for our efforts.

“We couldn’t be happier to work alongside the team at Fideicomiso Santa Marta Hotel to further our expansion and introduce the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in this resort area,” said Tom Potter, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide.

“With seven existing hotels in Colombia and seven in our pipeline, we look forward to playing a part in the country’s consistent tourism growth and welcome travellers to explore this dynamic destination.”

Ideal for both leisure and business travellers visiting Colombia’s oldest surviving city, the 17-story Hilton Santa Marta will offer 261 guest rooms, executive rooms and suites, all outfitted with the Hilton Serenity CollectionTM of amenities.

Guests staying in an executive room or suite will enjoy the added benefit of the hotel’s executive floor service and executive lounge, which will offer light snacks and beverages throughout the day.

Accessible via direct flights from Bogota and Medellin, Colombia, Santa Marta is the oldest surviving city in the country.

Known as a sister city of Miami Beach, Florida, this Caribbean haven welcomes visitors with everything from beaches and mountain ranges to national forests and cultural heritage.