The 268-room hotel in Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, is due to open in Q2 2010 - this is the first brand to operate in Cape Verde, a region with encouraging economic and tourism growth projections, some liken to that of the Canary Islands

 Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced the signing of its first property in Cape Verde, an archipelago of ten islands in the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa.

The 268-room Hilton Worldwide Resort in Santa Maria on Sal Island scheduled to open in Q2 2010, is owned by Vela Verde Tourismo SA, and will be managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Cape Verde is a self-governing country, having gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Showing impressive economic growth over the last ten years, it now has the second largest per capita GDP in the whole of Africa.

Sal Island is located northeast of the Cape Verde archipelago of ten islands, and is the most developed island. Santa Maria, the location of the Hilton Worldwide Resort, is in the south of Sal Island in a prime coastal location.

"Hilton will become the first upscale international brand to operate in Cape Verde, a region with encouraging economic and tourism growth projections, some liken to that of the Canary Islands. Expansion in Africa is key to Hilton's development strategy, as is identifying new emerging destinations like Cape Verde.

The new Hilton Worldwide Resort, located in the heart of the main resort area of Sal Island will draw visitors year round to enjoy an outstanding resort experience in fantastic sunny weather, and we are delighted to have signed this management agreement," said Jean-Paul Herzog, president, Hilton Hotels, Middle East & Africa.

Hilton Cape Verde will be Hilton's ninth property in Africa. The principal airport for Cape Verde is a short 18km (11.2 mile) drive from the resort. The three-storey new build beach resort will feature a spa, health club and swimming pool, in addition to a restaurant, two bars and a nightclub.

For special events and business travel, the hotel will also house a ballroom, conference and meeting rooms, and a business centre. With Sal Island renowned for its excellent water sports including scuba diving, and two 18-hole golf courses nearby, sporting enthusiasts will find plenty of action at the resort.

Jacques Monnier, CEO, Vela Verde Tourismo SA said, "The signing of this agreement with Hilton is a clear indicator of Cape Verde's economic and tourism potential. We are excited about bringing the first Hilton hotel to this archipelago that will offer a world-class guest experience and resort standards."

"The Hilton Cape Verde is an exciting addition to our stellar resorts portfolio and to the greater collection of Hilton Hotels around the globe," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, Brand Management - Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "We look forward to continued growth in Africa, across the continent's incredible diversity of destinations, cultures and business opportunities."

Hilton currently operates eight hotels in Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cameroon and South Africa. Additional Hilton properties are under development in Africa in Equatorial Guinea (Malabo), Uganda (Kampala) and Ghana (Accra).

In the U.A.E, properties under development are the Residence, Beach Club and Conrad - all in Dubai, two Worldwide Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, and the first Conrad Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The signed development pipeline also extends to Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Jordan (Amman & Aqaba). Furthermore, the new-look Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is scheduled to open after a complete facelift is completed in October 2008.