Following a raft of recent signings, Hilton Worldwide today announced that it has reached an agreement to operate its 50th hotel in Turkey.  The newest property, owned by Ever Kocaeli Turizm Ticaret A.S, will be branded under the Hampton by Hilton brand and plans to open to guests in early 2016.

Turkey attracts more than 30 million visitors each year and Hilton Worldwide has maintained rapid growth in the country since 2007, when it had fewer than 10 hotels in operation. In the last month alone it has announced two new projects in Izmir with a further hotel planned in Istanbul, while recent openings include the new Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Centre in the heart of the capital.  The stylish new hotel, which is the largest in Istanbul, includes 12,000 square metres of state of the art events space and 829 guest rooms and suites.

Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands, Hilton Worldwide said, “Our brands have proven popular in Turkey, whether they are opulent, large scale properties with sophisticated conference and events facilities or friendly, focused service hotels in prime leisure locations.  Turkey’s enduring popularity represents a great opportunity for our hotels, and as tourism and business travel continues to gather pace, we will look for further locations in which to introduce our great value, quality brands.”

Hampton by Hilton Kocaeli will be located near the centre of Kocaeli, one of Turkey’s most affluent cities and a powerhouse of industry and manufacturing.  The hotel will have 147 guest rooms, a breakfast area and 24/7 snack bar, in addition to a work zone and fitness centre.  As with all Hampton by Hilton properties, breakfast will be included in the hotel’s room rate and guests at the hotel will be subject to Hampton by Hilton’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide said, “This agreement marks an important milestone in our European growth story.  Istanbul’s flight connectivity is growing faster than any other global city and there is a clear correlating demand for business and leisure accommodation in Turkey’s best locations. These new hotels reaffirm our long term commitment to one of Europe’s most exciting markets.”