Hilton Worldwide President & CEO Commends U.S. Senate for Vote on PNTR to Russia

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hilton Worldwide issued the following statement today from President & CEO Christopher J. Nassetta:

“Balancing Russia's Tourism Deficit: A Report on the Future of the Industry”

“Hilton Worldwide commends the U.S. Senate for voting to extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Russia, which is very much in the interest of the United States and American companies conducting business there. PNTR will enhance transparency and rule of law in Russia and allow international service providers like Hilton Worldwide to compete on a fair playing field.”

Russia has become Hilton Worldwide’s fastest growing market in Europe, after opening its first hotel in Russia only four years ago. The total number of the company’s hotels operating or under development in Russia has already reached 32.

Hilton Worldwide is committed to playing an active role in supporting Russian tourism over the long term. This year the company conducted an in-depth, independent study titled, “Balancing Russia's Tourism Deficit: A Report on the Future of the Industry,” which highlights the potential that exists for the growth of Russia’s tourism industry, and the global opportunities this presents.

The report predicts that incoming tourist expenditure in Russia could double to US$15.3bn by 2016 and forecasts the country’s outbound tourism industry will become one of the fastest growing in Europe, showing an annual average growth rate of 7.4% from 2011 to 2016, and a doubling of outbound tourist expenditure to US$67.1bn. Here is a full copy of the report: http://news.hiltonworldwide.com/assets/HWW/docs/2012/2863HWRussianReportEng.pdf.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.