Hilton Worldwide today announced further expansion of its fastest growing full service brand in Eastern Europe with the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk.

Hilton Worldwide today announced further expansion of its fastest growing full service brand in Eastern Europe with the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk. The brand's debut property in Belarus is expected to open by mid-2015 with project plans unveiled today at a press conference organized by property owners Galleria Concept JLLC, and follows May's successful opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Warsaw, in the capital of neighbouring Poland.

The agreement will see the development of 14 floors of a 21 storey multi-purpose tower block on the city's centrally located Pobediteley Avenue, which lies just over one kilometre from the city's historic old town and the National Exhibition Centre known as Bel Expo II. The development, named Galleria Minsk, will house a 160 outlet retail complex and entertainment centre alongside the 194 guestroom hotel. Plans are also in place to develop a destination roof top bar on the building's top floor which would be located inside the hotel.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa said, "Minsk is a destination which has been gathering pace for some time. Whilst the Belarusian economy has historically relied on heavy industry, we've seen sectors such as retail and leisure begin to grow. With the former registering 18%[1] growth in 2013 we're particularly pleased to be opening this new hotel at Galleria Minsk which will build on the city's offering in this area. The city has proven its capability to stage major international events with the success of this year's Ice Hockey World Championships; we foresee demand for upscale accommodation continuing to rise."

The city of Minsk acts as an important transportation link from East to West, with train services connecting Belarus with both Russia and Germany. Its international airport also handles over five million arrivals each year, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the city's growing status as a venue for meetings and events. DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk will offer over 800sqm of meeting space including a 450sqm ballroom along with a fully equipped business centre. Guests will also be able to take advantage of round the clock dining and a gym complete with additional spa facility whilst all guest rooms come equipped with signature Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree Sleep Experience, offering a custom-designed mattress, an abundance of plush pillows and luxurious linens.

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, "Our recent success in growing the brand in Eastern Europe made it a logical decision for us to look for opportunities in Belarus as we continue our expansion. In Warsaw we have opened a standout property in one of the region's largest conference centres and shortly we'll launch in Moscow's up and coming riverside marina quarter. Forming part of Galleria Minsk, a dynamic new retail and entertainment destination, DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk promises to deliver another individual and authentic experience in an emerging European location."

Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk will benefit from the full range of signature features, found across the brand's fast-growing collection of more than 380 properties in over 30 countries. Each visitor is treated to the warm welcome of the brand's legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest upon check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme and the DoubleTree by Hilton award-winning CARE culture.

[1] Belarusian Economic Research and Outreach Center (BEROC)