Hilton Worldwide and Sands China have signed a franchise agreement to open a 636 room Conrad hotel in Macau.

The Conrad Macau, Cotai Strip is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2012 at Cotai Central.

Conrad Macau, Cotai Strip joins existing Conrad hotels in Hong Kong and Sanya Haitang Bay, and seven hotels under construction in Dalian, Beijing, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Qingdao, and Xiamen in Greater China.

Andrew Clough, senior vice president, development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, said: “This is a key project for us as it marks the entry of the Conrad brand, one of Hilton Worldwide’s luxury segment brands, into an exciting new market like Macau.

“To be able to do this on this with a well-respected hospitality company such as Sands China Ltd. which has a deep understanding of the luxury segment, is indeed beneficial to the brand and we believe the partnership will deliver mutual benefits to both corporations.

“Conrad Macau now joins a pipeline of 18 Conrad Hotels & Resorts scheduled to open within the next four years, thereby making it one of the fastest growing luxury brands in the hospitality segment,” he added.

Conrad Macau joins a pipeline of 18 Conrad Hotels & Resorts scheduled to open within the next four years, including hotels in China and other global destinations such as Koh Samui (Thailand), New York, Seoul (Korea) and Dubai.

Edward Tracy, president and chief executive officer of Sands China said: “Sands China is pleased to introduce our newest integrated resort – Sands Cotai Central – to this fastest growing hospitality market in the world.

“Cotai Central will specifically provide both high-end branded products for premium guests seeking a luxury lifestyle, and accommodation for affordable luxury on the Cotai Strip.

“We are excited about bringing the first Conrad to Macau. Renowned for its sophisticated, stylish and luxurious hospitality for affluent travellers, Hilton Worldwide’s experience and brand promise will certainly complement existing anchor Sands China properties to further increase and enhance Macau’s reputation as the premier and most diversified tourism destination in the region.”