The two new hotels will form part of Tanger City Center, a large upscale, mixed-use development promoted by Inveravante, and including the city's largest shopping mall, quality residential accommodation as well as commercial office space.

The agreement ceremony, held in Rabat, Morocco in the presence of Lahcen Haddad, Minister for Tourism in Morocco, was officially signed by Manuel Jove Capellan, chairman, Inveravante and Deepak Seth, vice president, development, Southern Europe, North & West Africa, Hilton Worldwide.

Located within Morocco's modern business district in the heart of Tangier, the two properties, Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences and Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Center, represent the first Hilton Worldwide hotels in Tangier, one of the country's fastest growing commercial cities.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton Worldwide, Europe & Africa said: "Tangier is a superb destination and I am delighted we are making our debut with two of our most recognised brands.  Today's announcement will act as our springboard for further growth in Morocco as we embark on an expansion strategy to introduce new properties and brands in key markets across the country."

Manuel Jove Capellan, Chairman, Inveravante said: "I am delighted Hilton Worldwide is partnering with us on this landmark project and bringing two of their most prominent brands to this dynamic city.  Tangier is the second economic city of Morocco and the calibre of these hotels will add to its metropolitan prestige and showcase the diversity of its hospitality offerings."

The 182-room Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences will include 19 suites with an additional 68 stylish hotel apartments which will be available for purchase ahead of the hotel's scheduled Spring 2015 opening date.  Guests can enjoy on-site conveniences such as a fitness area and outdoor pool as well as a restaurant and two bars.

Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: "The new combined hotel and residence development is set to be an outstanding, quality property and ideally suited to meet the diverse business, leisure and lifestyle demands of the city.  As the company's flagship brand and one of the most recognised hotel names in the world, we are looking forward to bringing our signature style, service and forward thinking approach to this new market."

Hilton Garden Inn is a market leading, focused service brand which enjoys consistent award winning success. The brand's latest signing, Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Center, will feature 323 rooms, including 10 family rooms, and a host of amenities including a fitness room, business centre, a restaurant and a bar.  The hotel, which is expected to open in December 2014, will feature Hilton Garden Inn's signature brand attributes including the Garden Sleep System bed and a spacious work desk with ergonomic chair.

Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn said: "Today's announcement is particularly thrilling as it marks the arrival of Hilton Garden Inn in North Africa, a new region for us and a truly exciting milestone in the 16-year history of the brand.  I am confident our broad appeal and compelling combination of value, quality and comfort will be warmly welcomed by leisure visitors as well as by the corporate community."  

Tanger City Center resort covers 236,443 m2 and is ideally located on Tangier's main boulevard, close to the beach.  Inveravante acquired the project in 2009 with plans to develop a complex to provide the city with a range of new and exciting facilities and services.  The Tanger City Center project, worth over 190 million Euros, will involve the construction of 800 apartments, two hotels, a large office block covering 10,161 m2 and a shopping and leisure centre covering 32,000 m2.

The city of Tangier is currently undergoing extensive development and modernisation with many new businesses being established and the completion of several major construction projects including the Tanger-Med Port, the addition of a new airport terminal and a new 45,000 seat sports stadium.  Tangier's unique location on the coast of North Africa, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, has attracted many different settlers and civilizations down the centuries and influenced a history and culture which, in recent times, inspired a wealth of literary and musical legends helping to shape Tangier's famous cultural reputation.