Hilton has signed a management agreement with real estate development group GFC Company Limited to operate a new hotel in the heart of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The opening of the 280-key Hilton Phnom Penh in 2022 will mark the entry of the hotel company into the country.
“As we expand the flagship brand, we are hyper-focused on introducing hotels in locations where travelers want to go, and global interest in Cambodia continues to increase at record-breaking speeds,” said Vera Manoukian, senior vice-president and global brand head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “In partnership with the Hilton Phnom Penh team and GFC Company Limited, we look forward to bringing Hilton’s premiere hospitality and exceptional service to Cambodia.”
Located just nine kilometres from Phnom Penh International Airport, Hilton Phnom Penh will be in close proximity to some of the capital’s famous landmarks, such as the Art Deco-styled Phnom Penh Central Market — otherwise known locally as Phsar Thmey, or “New Market” — and the tallest high-rise building in Phnom Penh, the 39-storey Vattanac Capital Tower.
In addition to its 280 guestrooms, the hotel will feature a variety of f&b options: an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a café and a bar in the lobby. It will also offer more than 16,145 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 9,400-square-foot ballroom. It will also have an executive lounge, fitness centre and swimming pool.
“Cambodia as a destination is on a growth trajectory, with global businesses establishing a presence in the capital city and the government investing into its infrastructure to boost its tourism appeal,” explains Guy Phillips, senior vice-president, development, Asia & Australasia, Hilton. “It is a great time to be entering the market, and we are delighted to have signed with our partners GFC Company Limited to build a new, brand-defining Hilton hotel in a great location within Phnom Penh.”
“We have been looking for the right partner to enter Cambodia with, and Hilton gives us confidence in being able to build our market share with the strength of its brand and commercial engine globally. The flagship Hilton brand is also one of the most recognizable hotel brands in the world, and we believe it will be top of mind for travelers—whether they are visiting for business or leisure,” said Jeremiah Lee, managing partner, GFC Company Limited.
Hilton currently operates 40 properties across nine markets in South East Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar. It has 54 more hotels in its development pipeline for the region, slated to open in the next three to five years. Openings will include the launch of Canopy by Hilton into the region and the company’s entry into Dili, Timor Leste in Indonesia next year.