Bujumbura, 16 Oct. 2012 (PP) :

Hilton Worldwide 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 program 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 program, a new business center and fitness center will also be introduced into the hotel for the first time.

“Burundi is a great example of how the East Africa region is attracting increasing numbers of local and international travelers, which is fuelling demand for quality hotel accommodation, particularly in gateway cities like Bujumbura,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Hilton Worldwide, Europe and Africa said. “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 northeastern 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 is located at the center of the commercial district and close to businesses, embassies and government offices. Once open, the hotel will have four conference rooms, a business center, fitness center and outdoor pool. Dining options include two restaurants, including one specialty and one all-day dining, and a bar.