Hilton Worldwide will be welcoming guests in each of the Baltic nations by 2018 following plans unveiled today to bring its midscale Hilton Garden Inn brand to Lithuania and Latvia. The announcement, made at a press conference in Vilnius attended by the mayor of the city, follows last month's opening of Hilton Tallinn Park, Estonia, the company's first hotel in the Baltic region.

Hilton Worldwide will be welcoming guests in each of the Baltic nations by 2018 following plans unveiled today to bring its midscale Hilton Garden Inn brand to Lithuania and Latvia. The announcement, made at a press conference in Vilnius attended by the mayor of the city, follows last month's opening of Hilton Tallinn Park, Estonia, the company's first hotel in the Baltic region.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, said: "The Baltic states are amongst some the most attractive destinations in Europe for doing business and the WTTC forecasts each area is set to benefit from increased government investment in travel and tourism - with Lithuania alone looking at an increase of over 60% by 2026. The success of last month's opening of Hilton Tallinn Park makes this the opportune moment to demonstrate our commitment to the wider Baltic region by announcing our entry to both Lithuania and Latvia."

Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre

In a franchise agreement with EIKA, six times named Best Real Estate Developer in Lithuania over the past decade, a midscale hotel of up to 150 guestroom will be constructed. It will form part of a multi-purpose development on central Gediminas Avenue, which leads to Lukiskes Square, the largest square in the city, surrounded by a plethora of significant governmental, cultural and commercial buildings. The hotel itself is expected to open by end-of-2018. Currently the negotiations with potential hotel operators are pending.

Domas Dargis, CEO from EIKA said "Vilnius has a great demand for accommodation as the number of tourists and events continues to grow each year. Occupancy levels are amongst the highest in Europe which makes the city attractive for investment. For almost three years we have considered a hotel development in Gediminas avenue. A study carried out by international consultants helped to decide on the size, chain and brand of the hotel. Our investment decision was based on the location, market situation and professional recommendations."

Hilton Garden Inn will be part of the multi-functional 18 thousand square meter complex which also will house a business centre, a commercial gallery, cafes, restaurants, a luxury apartment building and an open public space. The site will be equipped with a two-storey underground parking open to the residents of Vilnius and the city visitors.

Mayor of Vilnius Remigijus Šimašius welcomed the presence of Hilton Worldwide in Lithuania and EIKA's investment in the new project. "The launch of a new high-class hotel and a new business hub in the very heart of the capital is a significant event for the whole city and its residents. It also symbolizes the rebirth of Gediminas Avenue between Lukiškės Square, which is now being reconstructed, and the Parliament Palace. The launch of a well-known international brand in Lithuania will attract more tourists, promote the emergence of new flight destinations and more international events in our city", says R. Šimašius.

Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town

Expected to be completed by the end of next year, this 100 guestroom property will be located in the centre of Riga's historic old town. Under a franchise agreement with Apex Alliance, the hotel will be managed by UAB Apex Alliance Hotel Management, an experienced operator in the Baltic region. The site of the hotel is almost immediately adjacent to the city's most famous building, known as the House of Blackheads, which is a popular meeting and concert venue as well as the current official residence of the Latvian President. Both the historic 15th century St Peters Church and the banks of the Daugava River are only a short walk away.

Augustinus Barauskas from Apex Alliance said, "We are delighted to become the first operator to bring a Hilton Worldwide brand in to its portfolio in Latvia. Operated by our management company, UAB Apex Alliance Hotel Management, this hotel will be a welcome addition to Riga's Old Town providing affordable accommodation under a recognized international brand which can help sustain and develop the growth of tourism to the area."

Guests at both properties will see why Life's Better at the GardenTM through amenities and services offered at each location, including complimentary W-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour business centre and fully-equipped fitness centre. All guest rooms boast the brand's signature bedding as well as a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair.

John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said: "This is great news for Hilton Garden Inn to be expanding in to two additional European markets and adding to the 45 destinations where we currently serve guests across the continent. We look forward to welcoming guests in the Baltics and see potential for further growth in this market over the coming years".

Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Center will be located at Dainavos str.3, Vilnius, Lithuania LT-01400.

Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town will be located at Grecinieku iela 25, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia.

Hilton Worldwide will also no longer be pursuing the previously proposed development of Hilton Garden Inn Riga Valdemara which had been announced in 2014.

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