Hilton Worldwide has announced that it has signed a management agreement with Carvalho Hosken Hotelaria Ltda. for the 298-room new-build Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil - Hilton Worldwide’s first hotel in Rio de Janeiro.  The project, currently under construction, is expected to open in June 2014 and will provide travelers a new place to stay during the 2016 Summer Olympics.

“Hilton Hotels & Resorts is experiencing a period of tremendous global growth and this project brings our name to one of the most important cities in Latin America,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “As one of the most visited cities in South America and the upcoming 2016 Summer Games, Rio is a major market for international travel and key to our presence in South America.”

Forming part of the Metropolitan Center, Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro will welcome travelers to one of the city’s most economically dynamic and fastest growing areas, between Barra de Tijuca Beach and Jacarepagua. For those visiting the city in 2016 to experience the thrill and excitement of the Summer Olympic games, the hotel will be located within walking distance to the future Olympic Park and less than three miles from both the future Olympic Village and Barra de Tijuca Beach.

“Hilton Worldwide currently has the largest Latin America development pipeline in our history, and we are thrilled to add Rio de Janeiro to this growing list,” said Danny Hughes, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “Brazil has always been a major focus in our development efforts and Hilton Barra is a pivotal piece of our growth strategy in the country. We are delighted to be working with Carvalho Hosken Hotelaria Ltda. on this exciting project; they are one of the most visionary developers in the country.”

Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro will feature 298 rooms, 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.

The hotel will provide a great base for events and business travelers, with nearly 14,000 square feet of meeting space and a business center, as well as a strategic location approximately two and a half miles from the Riocentro Convention Center - the largest convention space in South America. Guests will also enjoy a full service restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, bar, and recreational amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.

Dr. Carlos Fernando de Carvalho, owner, Carvalho Hosken Hotelaria Ltda said, “Faithful to our tradition of pioneering development in the region, and realizing the future heart of Barra, we are bringing the first luxury hotel to the Metropolitan Center and doing so with Hilton Worldwide as a partner - a recognized and respected global hospitality company known for its excellence in service.”

Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as “Rio” and nicknamed the Cidade Maravilhosa - Marvelous City, is Brazil’s second largest city and welcomed 1.7 million visitors in 2011. Similar to other large urban centers, the city offers many options in gastronomy, business, culture and entertainment, as well as some of the most famous beaches in South America. Given the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, the region is expected to receive significant investment in transportation and infrastructure, making it even more attractive to travelers.

Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro will participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,800 hotels worldwide.

Hilton Worldwide currently has a portfolio of 51 hotels and resorts open and welcoming travelers in Latin America, including two hotels in Brazil: Hilton Belem and Hilton São Paulo Morumbi. The company is actively pursuing additional Latin American growth opportunities with a robust development pipeline that includes properties in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay.