Hilton Hotels and Resorts has opened its first hotel in Papua New Guinea with the launch of Hilton Port Moresby.

The 212-room hotel is connected to the newly completed Kutubu Convention Centre, which will also be managed by Hilton.

Heidi Kunkel, vice president operations at Hilton, Australasia, said the hotel will have a positive impact on the local community.

“Opening our first hotel in Papua New Guinea is an extremely significant milestone for us,” she said.

“In addition to delivering a new standard of accommodation, food and beverage offering and conferencing facilities in Papua New Guinea, we are also providing over 200 Papua New Guineans with employment opportunities across Hilton Port Moresby and Kutubu Convention Centre.”

The hotel features 164 guest rooms, 46 executive suites and two chairman suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows. Facilities include five restaurants and bars, an outdoor pool, fitness centre and executive lounge.

The adjoining convention centre boasts a number of event spaces, including six meetings rooms for up to 120 guests and an outdoor ampitheatre. The pillarless ballroom can host up to 800 guests or can be divided into three soundproof rooms, with retractable walls that are discreetly stored in the ceiling.

General manager John Lucas welcomed the hotel’s opening.

“As an emerging international business and leisure destination, the opening of Hilton Port Moresby and the Kutubu Convention Centre managed by Hilton will provide guests and delegates alike with world class facilities,” he said.

“Our team members very much look forward to welcoming and providing them with world-renown Hilton hospitality experiences.”