First Hilton Hotels Property Signed On Jordan's Dead Sea Coast

Hilton Worldwide has signed a Management Agreement with Dead Sea Resorts PSC for the new-build Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa in Jordan, scheduled to open in Q4 2013, as well as the existing King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre.

The 285-room new-build waterfront resort is located on the east coast of Jordan overlooking the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. The property is adjacent and linked to the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre, a state-of-the-art meetings facility famed for hosting the 2009 World Economic Forum on the Middle East. Hilton Worldwide will start operating the convention centre soon.

Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa is part of Emaar International Jordan's Samarah Dead Sea Resort, an integrated community which, aside from the hotel, will house 1,000 residences, retail and leisure facilities. The hotel's location within this development is the North Rift, adjacent to a Wadi (a valley) on the Dead Sea waterfront.

"We are delighted to have signed this management agreement with Dead Sea Resorts PSC for our first property on the Dead Sea. This stunning resort will truly complement our two hotels under construction in Amman and Aqaba. Jordan is an important market for us in our regional development strategy, and we look forward to providing business and leisure travellers with group offers linking the three destinations," said Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton Worldwide.

Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa will feature seven food and beverage outlets including three restaurants (all-day dining, and two specialty outlets) and four bars. Leisure facilities include a health club, spa, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a kids club.

In tandem with the company's renowned Hilton Meetings product, the hotel will house two meeting rooms of 100 sq.m each, a business centre and Hilton Executive Lounge. With almost 5,000 m2 of meeting space and 23,000 m2 of built-up area spread over three stories comprising 27 meeting rooms, the Convention Centre is one of the largest in the region.

"Hilton offers travellers world-class resorts, and the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa is an exciting addition to our leisure portfolio. By combining a prime location in an integrated community with signature Hilton style, amenities and services, we are creating a premium experience," said Dave Horton, Global Head, Hilton Hotels brand. "This resort will not only serve the region's growing healthcare tourism sector, but will become a destination for the meetings segment as well."

Tourism is a vital sector of Jordan's economy, with tourism related revenues representing approximately 14% of the country's GDP. International arrivals have been growing steadily, to over seven million tourists in 2008.

The Dead Sea has become a renowned destination for health and spa tourism thanks to the healing qualities of the sea's minerals and hyper saline waters. Furthermore, the area's biblical and archaeological sites attract religious travellers.

"We are delighted to have signed this management agreement with Hilton, the leaders in hospitality. As Jordan continues to witness a growth in tourism numbers, with the Dead Sea attracting health, religious and corporate business, this resort is destined for success," said H.E. Eng. Said Darwazah, Chairman of Dead Sea Resorts Company (DSR).

Hilton Worldwide has an impressive brand footprint in the Middle East and Africa with 44 hotels across 14 countries, and another 21 properties in the pipeline. The company has two properties in Jordan under development - the 531-room Hilton Amman Jordan Gate opening in Q4 2010, and the 346-room Hilton Tala Bay Aqaba opening in Q4 2011.

About Hilton Hotels | Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at .

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,800 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World's Best Workplaces list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. In 2021, in addition to opening more than one hotel a day, Hilton introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 128 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

John Forrest Ales
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Hilton