Hilton to manage fourth resort in Thailand

Hilton International and PPC Holdings Ltd., today announced an agreement for Hilton to manage the Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort, which will be rebranded as the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa effective October 1, 2004.

The announcement marks the third addition in as many months to Hilton's portfolio on Thailand's Andaman coast and the fourth Hilton Worldwide Resort in Thailand. Other properties include the Panwaburi Resort and Spa to be refurbished and branded as the Conrad Phuket Resort and Spa in late 2004, the purpose built Hilton Krabi Resort and Spa, which is scheduled to open in 2005, and the Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, an established Hilton Worldwide Resort located 2.5 hours south of Bangkok.

Mr Koos Klein, President, Hilton International Middle East and Asia Pacific said the growing cluster of Hilton-managed properties in Thailand comes from a strong conviction that the country is on track to become one of the largest upmarket resort destinations in Asia.

"The Tourism Authority of Thailand has forecast the 2004 growth in revenue, at 8.54 percent, to outstrip growth in arrivals suggesting that Thailand will appeal to a higher yielding, bigger spending tourist. Hilton Worldwide Resorts, including the rebranded Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, are suitably matched for the anticipated increase in upmarket travelers."

Representative of PPC Holdings and current General Manager/Director of Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort, Khun Maitree added that the Hilton brand will be a powerful marketing asset, attracting a broader range of holidaymakers from beyond the regional markets.

"The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa has the largest meetings and conference facilities on Phuket Island. Given the strength of Hilton's brand and its well established products such as Hilton Meetings and Hilton Conventions, we predict an increase in occupancy from both the leisure and the MICE traveler."

The Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort is located on Karon Beach and features 695 rooms, each with their own individual balcony and stunning views to the ocean, garden or pool. The hotel has 13 food and beverage outlets, three large outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, sauna, steam, three tennis courts, two squash courts, a massage center, and a putting green. There are five  function rooms suitable for meetings and events with the largest room accommodating up to 1,000 people.

The resort will undergo a multi-million dollar rebranding program to bring it in line with Hilton standards, including upgrades to 255 of the guest rooms and improvements to the resort's food and beverage outlets and meeting rooms. To meet the requirements of a Hilton Worldwide Resort, Hilton will also introduce a full service spa and kid's club.

Hilton International has appointed Mr Peter Hourigan as General Manager. Peter has 18 years experience with Hilton International, most recently as General Manager Hilton Kuching, in East Malaysia.