Kazakhstan's fast developing economy is enjoying remarkable growth and has provided Hilton with a compelling reason to introduce their first hotel.

Hilton Hotels Corporation has today announced that it is set to open its first hotel in Kazakhstan through a management agreement with Expo-Center Astana LLP. The new Hilton Astana, which will have approximately 237 rooms, is scheduled to open in the country's capital city in the first quarter of 2010.

Welcoming the announcement, Wolfgang M. Neumann, President of Hilton Hotels - Europe, said: "This move illustrates Hilton's commitment to expanding in key emerging markets across Europe. Kazakhstan's fast developing economy is enjoying remarkable growth and has provided us with a compelling reason to introduce our first hotel and gain a foothold in this country."

"We believe that quality hotel accommodation is still relatively low in Astana and there is significant and untapped potential in both the business and leisure sectors. Whilst tourism is still in its infancy, it is clear that this is an area on the cusp of huge growth as Kazakhstan becomes more accessible and attractive to visitors. Together with Expo-Center Astana LLP, the new Hilton Astana will be ideally placed to capitalise on the anticipated increases in both domestic and international travellers to this exciting part of the world," Neumann added.

Appointed as the capital in 1997, Astana is considered the administrative centre of the country and as such is home to the offices of many diplomatic and international commercial organisations.

The newly built Hilton Astana, with approximately 237 rooms, will be situated in the heart of the rapidly developing Special Economic Zone called 'Astana - New City' and will offer leisure and business travellers an Executive Lounge, a health club with indoor pool, a choice of two restaurants as well as extensive conference and meeting facilities supported by a business centre and complimentary parking.

Mr. Kurmanali Ashakov, one of the main shareholders of Expo-Centre Astana LLP said: "We are delighted to be partnering Hilton in this venture. The introduction of a new Hilton hotel will add real value to our capital city, not only offering outstanding accommodation, but also providing guests with the high standards that you would associate with one of the world's leading hospitality companies. Thanks to our relationship with Hilton we are confident that the hotel will be warmly received by future guests."

Hilton has recently announced plans to develop approximately 50 new hotels encompassing selected brands within the Hilton Family of Hotels in neighbouring Russia, as part of two multi-unit deals expected to be signed early next year. It has also unveiled plans to open its first property in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2010.

"The Hilton Astana represents a significant step on the path to growth in Russia and its surrounding countries," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president of brand management - Hilton Hotels. "We hope to offer Hilton hospitality to travellers to Kazakhstan in a way that's consistent with the unique cultures and traditions of the region."

Elsewhere in Europe the company is set to open new properties in Madrid, Moscow and Mallorca as well three new Italian hotels in Bari, Matera and Palermo over the coming six months.