Hilton Expands Presence in Nigeria with Two New Hotels

Hilton Expands Presence in Nigeria with Two New Hotels

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 30, 2024

Hilton has announced the expansion of its global brands, Canopy by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn, into Nigeria. This move highlights Hilton’s ongoing commitment to growing its footprint in Africa’s dynamic hospitality sector.

Hilton has entered into agreements with local partners to introduce these new properties. Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island will be developed in partnership with Hotel Signature Limited, while Hilton Garden Inn Enugu will be established in collaboration with FIT Hospitality & Entertainment Limited, a subsidiary of FIT Group.

Carlos Khneisser, Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa at Hilton, expressed excitement about these new ventures. He emphasized that these signings demonstrate Hilton's confidence in Nigeria's vibrant market and the broader African hospitality industry. Khneisser highlighted that these hotels will provide guests with diverse choices and unique experiences, ensuring comfortable and memorable stays.

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Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island

The Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island will feature 176 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, including executive and presidential options. The hotel aims to offer a boutique experience with locally inspired design elements and bespoke food and beverage options, including a café and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city and ocean.

For business and event travelers, the hotel will provide 10 meeting rooms and a 300-square-meter conference room. Leisure amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. Located on Ahmadu Bello Way, the hotel will be in the heart of Victoria Island, a prime district known for its vibrant business and entertainment scene, making it a landmark destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Domingo Obende, CEO of Hotel Signature Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the Canopy by Hilton brand to Nigeria, citing the hotel's prime location and comprehensive amenities as key factors in offering guests a high-end, locally inspired experience.

Hilton Garden Inn Enugu

The Hilton Garden Inn Enugu will offer 150 guest rooms and suites, alongside amenities such as a lobby bar, a shop, an all-day dining restaurant, three flexible meeting rooms, a gym, and an outdoor pool. Enugu, known as "Coal City," offers scenic views, cultural diversity, and a backdrop favored by Nigerian filmmakers, making it an appealing destination for visitors.

The hotel will be part of the HELIU Health Tourism District & Residences, a new development by FIT Group in partnership with the Enugu State government. This district will feature a hospital, shopping mall, office park, tech hub, convention center, and high-end residences. The hotel's location on a major road linking Enugu to Port Harcourt will also provide convenient access to Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

Loretta Aniagolu, CEO of FIT Group, highlighted the strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities of Hilton Garden Inn Enugu, promising guests a unique hospitality experience that captures the essence of Nigeria's vibrant culture and heritage.

These new hotels will join Hilton’s existing properties in Nigeria, including Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton. Additionally, Hilton has recently announced the development of Koko Beach Resort Ilashe Lagos, another Curio Collection property.

Hilton’s continued expansion in Nigeria underscores its commitment to the African continent and its confidence in the region's growth potential. With these new properties, Hilton aims to offer diverse, high-quality lodging options that cater to both local and international travelers.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.

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