Hilton Worldwide has revealed the extent of its growth across Middle East and Africa with the unveiling of figures showing a 440 per cent increase to its pipeline from 2007 to present day.

Reinforcing the company’s position as the pre-eminent international hospitality company in the region, the data, which was taken from December 31st 2007 to March 31st 2013, sets out the company’s pipeline expansion in 2007 from 13 hotels with 3,570 rooms to today’s figure of nearly 60 properties, representing nearly 20,000 rooms which are now in development across MEA.

Commenting on the announcement, Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, MEA, said: “The figures speak for themselves and clearly validate just how rapidly we are expanding and, possibly more significant, just how important this region is to Hilton Worldwide.

“We have been operating in the Middle East for over 50 years and we have developed a unique insight into the diverse and distinct requirements of the region and the needs of its visitors.

“I believe the appeal of our brands is underpinned by this deep understanding allowing us to deliver exceptional service standards, efficient operations and unwavering commitment to our partners, and the local communities in which we operate.”

To meet the demands of the region’s hospitality requirements, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa has developed a wide range of brands to serve a broad cross section of traveller needs and preferences from luxury brands such as Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts to full service brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton and the mid-market hotel brand, Hilton Garden Inn.

Throughout 2013, Hilton Worldwide will continue its bold and determined expansion introducing two of its leading luxury brands, Conrad Dubai and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, into the UAE for the first time.

In addition, the company will increase its presence in Qatar and expects to open two DoubleTree by Hilton properties in Dubai.

“We are on course to double our Middle East & Africa portfolio within the next three years.

“We already boast the largest and most active hotel pipeline in the region and we are working hard to implement strategies to recruit and train the thousands of new staff members that will be needed to service this growth,” Jagersbacher added.

“Our plan for the next few years is to continue to grow our presence and establish Hilton Worldwide as the leading hospitality brand in the region and become the number one choice for travellers and guests, owners and investors and, equally important, become valued members of the many local communities in which we operate,” concluded Jagersbacher.