Hilton Hotels & Resorts today expanded its global portfolio to 78 countries with the opening of its first hotel in Equatorial Guinea - Hilton Malabo. Located between Equatorial Guinea’s capital city and the International Airport, Hilton Malabo features 187-rooms, including 12 suites. The opening marks the second new country entered by the brand in three days following the opening of Hilton Windhoek in Namibia on May 28.

“The opening of Hilton Malabo continues our commitment to growth in this region and our focus on leading in emerging markets worldwide. We are committed to unlocking the potential of this ever-growing region and the opening of our new property underlines Hilton’s commitment to growth on the continent,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Hilton Malabo offers two restaurants and a bar, whilst recreation facilities include a Hilton Fitness by Precor fitness centre, tennis court and outdoor swimming pool with its own pool bar and grill. The hotel has a dedicated conference wing with six multipurpose meeting rooms, a boardroom, a ballroom that seats more than 450 people and a fully-equipped business centre.

“Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, is developing at a steady pace as improvements to infrastructure and the discovery of natural resources continues to attract foreign investment. The country’s emergence as a business destination means there is an increasing need for full-service hotels that offer the accommodation, service and amenities that business travellers are looking for,” said Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide.

The opening of Hilton Malabo follows the recent opening of Hilton Windhoek, the first Hilton Hotels& Resorts hotel in Namibia.  Hilton Worldwide now has 51 hotels across the Middle East and Africa – seven of which have opened this year.