Dubai: Hilton Worldwide, the US-based hotel chain, is in talks to open more properties under its mid-market Hilton Garden Inn brand in Dubai, according to a top company executive.
“We are working with our existing partners [Majid Al Futtaim and Wasl hospitality and leisure] and looking at more deals,” Mark Nogal, regional head, focused service brand management for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Hilton, told reporters in Dubai on Monday.
The brand was introduced in the UAE this year, with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Muraqabat. Hilton plans to open the 370-room Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Mall of the Emirates later this month, bringing the total number of properties under the brand in the UAE to three.
“As we look to 2020, it’s important that we attract a broader scope of travellers,” he said.
Dubai is the host city of the Expo 2020, a six-month trade fair that is expected to attract 25 million visitors. By 2020, the emirate also aims to welcome 20 million visitors per year.
Dubai is diversifying its accommodation, adding more three- and four-star hotels that are popular with families and business travellers.
Nogal said the company is interested in expanding the brand outside Dubai to other emirates.
Hilton has 27 Garden Inn hotels in the Middle East and Africa pipeline, which are expected to open in the next four years. It plans to open the Hilton Garden Inn Bur Dubai in early 2019.