The construction of the Hilton Praia hotel may begin in 2018, three years after the first stone of the first five-star hotel in the capital was laid, following an agreement signed on Wednesday between the Cape Verdean government and TRG Praia, of The Resort Group PLC, which is promoting the project.

The Resort Group’s consultant, Victor Fidalgo, said that it was a “long and complex” process that began in 2013, with the acquisition of the site and licensing of the work by the Praia Municipal Council. The document that sets out the obligations and incentives negotiated between the Cape Verdean State and the company, he said.

Fidalgo said that there are procedures that must comply with the standards of the Hilton Worldwide chain, but added that the process will be concluded this year “so that Hilton can authorise the beginning of the work,” according to the Inforpress news agency.

The Minister of Tourism and Transport and Minister of the Maritime Economy, José Gonçalves, said that signing the document allows Praia to become a “tourism, conference and business point” because, despite being the capital of the country, there is a lack of accommodation.

Hilton Praia is expected to create around 150 direct jobs and will have 201 rooms, as well as restaurants, bars, leisure and entertainment areas, common and private pools, a SPA, health club, convention centre and meeting rooms. (macauhub)