The Hilton hotel chain is poised to open its fifth facility in Aberdeen with a 200-room complex, which will create 350 jobs, at the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The city council and Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) have signed a franchise licence agreement, confirming the new hotel will connect directly to the £333million conference venue, which is scheduled to open in 2019.
The amenity will operate under the Hilton Hotels and Resorts brand. And the Hilton Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre will join three branches in the Granite City – Aberdeen Treetops, DoubleTree and Garden Inn.
A 155-bedroom hotel at D2 Business Park in Dyce – a Hampton by Hilton – was approved last June.
Work on the construction of the AECC near Bucksburn commenced last month and the council predict it will attract around 31,000 business visitors to the north-east.
Concerns had previously been raised by the number of hotel developments being built around Aberdeen, while the city is suffering from a downturn in the oil and gas sector.
But Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of the development, EMEA Hilton, gave the city a vote of confidence.
He said: “The new Hilton in Aberdeen will enhance the city’s reputation as a leading choice for conferencing and events in Scotland.
“Aberdeen City Council’s strategy of broadening the local economy across a number of sectors – including tourism – and this project further demonstrates that Aberdeen is a robust market with a bright future.”
Nick Harris, director at Henry Boot Developments – who are building the new AECC – added: “The presence of a Hilton hotel, directly connecting to the venue, will make it even more attractive to leisure and business visitors.
“They can travel from outlying areas, safe in the knowledge they have high-quality accommodation on the doorstep.
“The expected creation of 350 new jobs is also excellent news for Aberdeen and the north east.”
Council leader Jenny Laing said: “We look forward to working with Hilton, whose commitment to Aberdeen is a testament to their confidence in the area and the strategic value it places on our economy as the city embarks on an exciting transformational journey.
“The new AECC joins the city council’s £516million investment in a capital programme over the next five years. The investment will allow the city to face current challenges and prosper not only within communities but also on a global scale.”
