Hilton Worldwide has signed a licensing agreement with long-standing franchisee, the Opulent Group, for the conversion of a hotel in the capital city of Bujumbura in Burundi, East Africa. The 130-room DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura will open early in 2014.

Formerly the Novotel, the property will undergo an extensive 18-month improvement and rebranding programme before officially opening under the DoubleTree by Hilton banner. Property renovation plans are already underway and will cover all key areas of the hotel, including full refurbishment of the hotel lobby and renovation of all guest and meeting rooms. As part of the programme, a new business centre and fitness centre will also be introduced into the hotel for the first time.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Hilton Worldwide Europe & Africa said Hilton Worldwide’s “famous pioneering spirit is very much alive and well” as the company continues to explore new markets in Africa.

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“Burundi is a great example of how the East Africa region is attracting increasing numbers of local and international travellers which is fuelling demand for quality hotel accommodation, particularly in gateway cities like Bujumbura,” he asserted.

“Today’s signing of such a well located property will help us to meet that growing demand with dedicated first-class facilities and service.”

Bujumbura is located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, and, as the country’s largest city and main port, is a busy commercial hub for Burundi’s import and export trade. DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura will be in the capital city, at the centre of the commercial district and close to businesses, embassies and government offices.

Once open, the hotel will boast four conference rooms, a business centre, fitness centre and outdoor pool. Dining options include two restaurants, including one speciality and one all-day dining, and a bar.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “As the first upscale international hotel brand to establish roots in Burundi, the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura is a defining moment for our company and a terrific opportunity for us to set the global hospitality standard and become a market leader. Our ongoing growth in Africa is generating a great deal of interest from those discerning local owners looking for an experienced, trustworthy hospitality brand with a solid reputation for delivering success.”