The Nigeria hotel sector may have received a boost, with a N600 billion ($5 billion) deal, sealed by Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) and the Hilton Hotels International to establish new hotels in different parts of the country and other parts of Africa. The deal hotel deal is worth N600 billion ($5 billion).

Specifically, the deal covers the construction of 10 new hotels to be located in places like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Jos. The deal also covers renewal of management contract for Transcorp Hilton Hotel by the international hotel management group for another 10 years. Hilton has managed the hotel for 20 years.
The formal signing took place recently in Abuja with the Managing Director of Transcorp, Mr. Tom Iseghohi leading his company's team, while the President of Hilton Hotels, Middle East and Africa, Mr. Jean-Paul Herzog signed on behalf of Hilton Hotels International.

Speaking at the ceremony, Iseghoghi said Transcorp is poised at changing the face of tourism in the country, in collaboration with the Federal Government. To this end, he said Transcorp was working on a plan with the administration to develop tourism facilities in Abuja. Iseghoghi also noted that the signing of the agreement was a major milestone between the two groups, even as he applauded Hilton for the support that the company has enjoyed from it. "We are happy with the good working relationship with the Hilton Group without whose support nothing is possible.''

The Transcorp boss revealed that part of the plans under the deal is to build upscale and top of the range hotels with some even higher in quality and taste than the present Transcorp Hilton. Despite the restiveness in the Niger - Delta, Iseghoghi disclosed that the choice of Port Harcourt as one of the sites for the new hotels is a business one that has taken into account, the long-term nature of the business and the fact that crisis of the region would be resolved soon. "The impasse would not last forever and would be resolved in the very near future,'' he aid.

Besides, "investment in hotels in Port Harcourt would make a lot of sense. We are also considering two hotels in the northern part of the country and Kano would be an appropriate location. It is also a nice idea to develop a hotel in Jos, a town that has a great potential due to its location on a Plateau with its attendant clement weather. Jos would also be an opportunity to develop a leisure hotel where people can go and relax.''

While viewing the joint venture between both parties as a deal that would succeed If carefully nurtured, he noted that Hilton is already a world brand while Transcorp is an emerging brand, which he hope with It partner - Hilton - can make it marks. "The Hilton brand is a global brand while Transcorp is an emerging brand. The two brands are developing a new brand known as Transcorp Hilton, which would be a terrific brand and this came about after a long negotiating process.''

On his part, Herzog said the new management deal would allow Hilton take a formidable position in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He pointed out that Hilton is already known globally in the hospitality sector as a major and quality brand, stressing that these benefits would be extended to Transcorp Hilton too. Also speaking at the occasion, the General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Mr. Andre Herrenschmidt said, "With the value that our owners have come to add to the hotel in the last two and a half years, our position as the number one has been further reinforced and the future outlook is very positive.''

He added that "the long-term forecasts point to a mature but steady phase of growth for world Travel and Tourism between 2009 and 2018 with an average growth rate of 4.4% per annum, supporting 297 million jobs and 10.5 percent of global GDP by 2018. In 2020 the United Nations World Tourism Organization envisages 1.6 billion travellers compared to around 900 million travellers recorded in 2007. In view of this expected increase and growth rate in international travels, the Hilton Hotel General Manager informed that they look forward to taking advantage of this by harnessing all the resources at their disposal. "Our long term plan is to harness and take advantage of this burgeoning business in Nigeria and indeed Africa."

Hilton, which has been in existence for over 80 years, is the proud flagship brand of Hilton Hotels Corporation and the most recognized name in the global lodging industry. It presently operates eight hotels in Africa, which include Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cameroon and South Africa.
Besides, it is also developing additional Hilton properties in Africa in Equatorial Guinea (Malabo) and Uganda (Kampala). It has In Its portfolio over 514 hotels with 500,000 rooms in 76 countries and territories, including 135,000 team members worldwide.

Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, which occupies an expanse of 199,500 square metres of prime-value land, commenced operations on April 14, 1987 with 670 rooms and suites spread on 10 floors of the three-winged, 12-storey magnificent edifice. It recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment of all 670 bedrooms, including 240 suites, valued at $50 million. The renovation also included the refitting of all 24 meeting rooms and the Congress Hall, installation of new 'no-break' UPS generators, kitchens and restaurant, and installation of interactive TV system with internet connectivity in all the rooms, among others.

Located 40 minutes drive from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Transcorp Hilton has an Executive Lounge, 24 meeting rooms with wireless internet access and a business centre. From Hilton Guest Rooms to Executive Rooms with Executive Lounge access, all rooms at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja hotel are Art Deco-style.

It offers a wide array of services ranging from business to leisure tourism. It also affords visitors access to most of the tourist attractions in the Federal Capital Territory and environs such as Aso Rock, Millennium Park and the Handicraft Village.