Hilton Signs Multi-Unit Management Agreement with BG Group of Hotels Australia

Hilton has signed a multi-unit management agreement with BG Group of Hotels to manage four hotels, marking the company’s entry into the Northern Territory, and the introduction of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand into Australia.

The properties, currently operating and subject to conversion works, will join Hilton Cairns as a portfolio of five BG Group of Hotels properties being operated by Hilton Worldwide.

The rebranded properties will join Hilton Worldwide’s existing portfolio of 15 hotels in Australasia and include:

• Hilton Darwin – 235 rooms

• DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin – 184 rooms

• DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin – 197 rooms

• DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs – 235 rooms

“Hilton Worldwide is proud to have been selected to rebrand and operate these important hotels. We are delighted to be able to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and to add another Hilton Hotel & Resort in the region’s most significant areas of growth,” said Ashley Spencer, vice president, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide. “We have been looking to enter into the Northern Territory for some time and to be working with BG Group of Hotels is a privilege. We are committed to making these properties the leading full-service hotels in the market.”

The BG Group of Hotels, owned and controlled by Mr Ludvik Berger, own a portfolio of properties in Australia and Spain. In addition to the four Australian properties mentioned earlier, BG Hotels also own the Holiday Inn in Cairns and are currently negotiating the purchase of another significant property. In Spain, BG Hotels own and operate three beachside hotels in Mallorca and also own and operate two beachside hotels in Ibiza. These properties range from 150 rooms to 500 rooms and are all popular holiday resorts, centrally situated.

Mr Berger said, “Over a number of years we have developed a successful relationship with Hilton Worldwide as managers of our property in North Queensland, the Hilton Cairns. Due to the success of this property, it made a great deal of sense for Hilton Worldwide to manage four more of our properties in the Northern Territory. We are particularly pleased to introduce the first DoubleTree by Hilton properties to Australia, which we believe will meet the needs of our customers and continue to provide jobs in the region.”

“Mr John Rodger, our Managing Director in Australia, will be responsible for the transitions and the ongoing operations and we are sure that the changes will be seamless and there will be little or no interruption to operations,” Mr Berge added.

Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin and DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, will operate under Hilton Worldwide management from 1 May 2013.