Qatar to Service Burundi

According to eturbonews, the Burundi government has signed a new air service agreement with Qatar Airways, allowing the two airlines (Qatar Airways and Air Burundi) to fly up to seven times a week between Doha and Bujumbura.
 The agreement covers passenger and cargo services and allows for intermediate stops en route from and to Bujumbura. Burundi is currently the least-connected country in Eastern Africa, with regular air services from Europe only provided by Brussels Airlines, whilst within Africa there are services provided by Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir.
 Burundi is also serviced by Air Uganda within the wider Eastern African region and by South African Airways from within Southern Africa.

New African Signing for Hilton

Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a licensing agreement with long-standing franchisee, the Opulent Group, for the conversion of a hotel in the capital city of Bujumbura in Burundi, East Africa. The 130-room DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura will open in early 2014.
 Formerly the Novotel, the hotel will undergo an extensive 18-month improvement and rebranding programme, before officially opening under the DoubleTree by Hilton banner. Renovation plans are already under way and will cover all key areas of the hotel, including full refurbishment of the hotel lobby and renovation of all guest and meeting rooms.
 A new business centre and fitness centre will also be introduced for the first time. DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura will be located in the centre of the commercial district and close to businesses, embassies and government offices. Once open, the hotel will boast four conference rooms, a business centre, fitness centre and outdoor pool. Dining options will include two restaurants, including one speciality and one all-day dining, and a bar.
Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura will benefit from the brand’s standout features, including the welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest upon check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; and the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme. Hilton Worldwide currently operates 56 hotels in Middle East and Africa, totalling more than 17,000 rooms across 19 countries, and has a signed development pipeline of an additional 52 properties across Middle East and Africa in the U.A.E, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa and Cape Verde.