Sub-Saharan Africa’s bourgeoning country of Botswana today welcomed its first Hilton property with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone. The property is Hilton’s (NYSE:HLT) first in the country and joins 43 existing Hilton properties in Africa, including three by Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton’s award-winning midscale brand, as the hospitality leader continues to expand its presence across the continent.

Conveniently located in the heart of the capital’s up-and-coming central business district, Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone forms part of a mixed-use retail and office development and is just a 15-minute drive from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. Set to welcome business travellers and holiday seekers alike, the hotel is within close proximity of local attractions, including the Gaborone Game Reserve, the Airport Junction shopping centre and the Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

The 147-room property offers options ranging from standard king and twin rooms to suites and interconnected rooms, making it an ideal lodging choice for solo travellers, groups, and families. All rooms are fitted with Digital Key, Hilton’s mobile-enabled room key technology that allows guests to simply and securely unlock their room door using their smartphone. The hotel also features a 24/7 business center, four meeting rooms, all fitted with the latest A/V equipment, as well as three boardrooms that open up to the pool terrace, making it the perfect venue for hosting a meeting, event, or an al fresco lunch.

Known for its exotic wildlife, vast grasslands, and natural reserves, Botswana is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and one of Africa’s fastest developing countries. The prospering African nation continues to ramp up efforts to attract both business and tourism, with the latter reportedly contributing 11.5% to the country’s GDP in 2017.¹

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the country’s travel and tourism sector is expected to contribute a total of 76,000 jobs in 2018 and 100,000 jobs in 2028 (directly and indirectly), accounting for about 8% of the country’s workforce.¹ Meanwhile, tourism figures from the country’s statistics centre put the number of arrivals in 2015 at just over 2.5 million² – more than the country’s total population. Of those, approximately 1.7 million are tourists.

“A flourishing country with a bright future, Botswana is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for both leisure and business. We are very excited to be opening our doors in the heart of the capital’s central business district,” said Evan Harrington, the hotel’s general manager. “Whether coming to explore the country’s wildlife and beautiful landscapes, attend a business venture, or both, guests will take comfort in Hilton Garden Inn’s services and amenities, including our 24/7 Pavilion Pantry and state-of-the-art meeting rooms, all backed by Hilton’s world renowned approach to hospitality.”