ADDIS ABABA: The Ethiopian government has said it supports the proposed expansion efforts by international hotel chain Hilton Hotels as it looks to add a number of properties in the East African country. Acting Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who is to be sworn in later this week, said that the government gave its assurances to the hotel chain for its continued efforts to expand in Ethiopia. Speaking on Wednesday with the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hilton Worldwide Christopher Nassetta, Desalegn said that “the need for the hotel chain to expand its services here as Ethiopia was a country, which hosted a significant number of international and regional meetings every year.” Ethiopia is also a destination for thousands of visitors, said the PM, who added that the government “would provide its full support to the hotel chain in its efforts to expand its services.” A Hilton official told Bikyamasr.com that they have been in talks with the government to develop at least two new properties in the country over the next few years to add to the growing tourism industry in the country. Desalegn also called on Hilton Worldwide to “contribute to the ongoing efforts to build up the good image of the country.” A spokesman for Desalegn said it was the “first time that Nassetta was visiting Africa although Hilton had been providing quality services for the past over 50 years in the country.” Ethiopia's economic growth created opportunities for expansion of the hotel industry in the country. Nassetta said activities were underway to construct additional Hilton hotels in Africa and Ethiopia is one of the countries given priority for this purpose. Hilton Worldwide has more than 4,000 hotels across the world, including 33 in Africa.
