Hilton Worldwide has recently 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
Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Hilton Worldwide has been operating in Australia for more than 35 years and during that time we have focused on growing our portfolio in key business and leisure destinations in the region with important strategic partners. With our strong leadership on the ground, our aim has been to create a network of hotels that meet the needs of business and leisure travellers, and we look forward to deepening our commitment to our clients and our valued owners in this important market with the addition of five more hotels.”
“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.”
Guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Darwin and Alice Springs will be greeted with the characteristic qualities currently found at the brand’s more than 325 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 26 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, and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.
Guests at Hilton Darwin can expect the upper-upscale service and amenities the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide is renowned for globally. The Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand offers best-in-class products and services to ensure that every guest feels cared for, valued and respected.
Guests at all four properties can experience the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme.
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.”
He added, “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.”
Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin and DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, will operate under Hilton Worldwide management from May 1, 2013.
Hilton Worldwide currently manages and franchises 15 properties in Australasia and has recently announced the signing of the DoubleTree by Hilton Karratha in Western Australia and the Hilton Noumea La Promenade in New Caledonia.
