DoubleTree by Hilton Debuts in Phuket, Thailand

19 June 2012

Hilton Worldwide and Destination Resorts Co Ltd Sign Management Agreement to Open the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket - Surin Beach in June 2012

PHUKET, Thailand - June 1, 2012 - Hilton Worldwide today announced the further expansion of its award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand in one of the world’s top beach resort destinations, Phuket, Thailand. Having signed a management agreement with Destination Resorts Co Ltd, the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket - Surin Beach will be Hilton Worldwide’s seventh operating property in Thailand and second in Phuket. Scheduled to open in June 2012, the 252-room upscale hotel will be located on the west coast of the island on Surin Beach, which is approximately 24 kilometers from Phuket International Airport.

“Thailand is a key focus market for us as it holds enormous potential for accelerated growth. Phuket, being one of Asia’s leading leisure destinations, is renowned for its Thai hospitality which makes it perfect for the DoubleTree by Hilton brand. Hilton Worldwide has been in Thailand since 1983 and we are very pleased to welcome the addition of the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket – Surin Beach” said Andrew Clough, senior vice president - development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket - Surin Beach will have all the qualities currently found at the brand’s more than 300 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 24 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team commitment to giving back to the local community.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton is thrilled to continue the expansion of our presence in Thailand in one of Asia’s most sought-after resort destinations with the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, Phuket - Surin Beach. Surin Beach is also known for its beautiful beaches and some of the best resorts on the island, making it the ideal location to launch the brand. Along with its sister property, the DoubleTree by Hilton, Sukhumvit in Bangkok which is scheduled to open in early 2013, we are confident the resort will attract both business and leisure travelers particularly with an increasing number of international visitors to this wonderful island.”

The four-story DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket – Surin Beach will sit strategically between Phuket International Airport and Patong, the island’s popular tourist center. The resort will have three food and beverage outlets which include an all-day dining restaurant, a pool bar and a café. There will also be five meetings rooms as well as a business center, fitness club, outdoor pool and a kids club.

“The strength of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand globally will be key in building the future success of this property. This is the second time we’re working with Hilton Worldwide, following the successful 12-year partnership at Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, and we are confident that with Hilton Worldwide’s exceptional hospitality experience, the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket - Surin Beach will bring tremendous value to the overall growth of Phuket as one of the region’s top tourism destinations,” said Gary Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Destination Resorts Co Ltd.

Hilton Worldwide currently manages six properties in Thailand including Conrad Bangkok, Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Hilton Pattaya, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa and Conrad Koh Samui, and will open Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and DoubleTree by Hilton, Sukhumvit Bangkok in 2013.

For more information on DoubleTree by Hilton, please contact your local travel professional or visit the brand’s website at www.doubletree.com.


Contact:
John Neutze - National Director of Sales