Hilton today signed six management agreements with Melwa Hotels & Resorts Private Limited to manage three Hilton Hotels & Resorts and three DoubleTree by Hilton properties in Sri Lanka. This latest milestone also marks the debut of the award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Sri Lanka and significantly expands Hilton’s presence in some of the most sought-after destinations in the country. The deal also bears testament to the global hospitality company’s growing footprint in Asia Pacific. The six new-build properties, including three resorts are scheduled to open between 2020 and 2021 :
- Hilton Kandy Resort
- Hilton Yala Resort & Spa
- Hilton Kosgoda Resort
- DoubleTree by Hilton Nuwara-Eliya
- DoubleTree by Hilton Colombo International Airport
- DoubleTree by Hilton Negombo
“Our hotels are strategically located in the heart of key tourist destinations of Kandy, Yala, Kosgoda, Nuwara-Eliya, Colombo and Negombo, allowing them to reap the full benefits of the burgeoning growth in tourism in Sri Lanka,” said Guy Phillips, senior vice president, Development – Asia & Australasia, Hilton. “We are pleased to be working with a partner of the experience and standing of Melwa Hotels & Resorts to advance our footprint within this dynamic country.”
Given Sri Lanka’s rich natural and cultural heritage, tourism is a chief propellant of economic growth. Sri Lanka’s tourism appeal is widely recognized, with the country ranked among the “Top 10 Coolest Countries” in the world to visit in 2015, by Forbes magazine. Total international arrivals have been charting an impressive growth trajectory and in 2016, tourist arrivals surpassed all previous records to hit a new milestone of more than two million – a 14 percent increase from 2015.1 The government has also launched a series of initiatives to grow tourism, embarking on key infrastructure developments such as expanding the national road network which will positively impact the six proposed hotels. “We are delighted to add to our existing portfolio in Sri Lanka with our world-class Hilton Hotels & Resorts and
DoubleTree by Hilton brands in highly attractive destinations within the country, and we look forward to welcoming guests with our renowned Hilton hospitality,” said Sean Wooden, vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “With few international hotel brands having a widespread presence throughout the country, Hilton will enjoy the first mover advantage in riding on Sri Lanka’s growth trajectory.”
Hilton Kandy, Hilton Yala Resort & Spa, Hilton Kosgoda Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Nuwara-Eliya, DoubleTree by Hilton Colombo International Airport and DoubleTree by Hilton Negombo will participate in Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 distinct brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, such as an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay. Members can also redeem their Points for free nights, and can gain access to unique events through the Hilton Honors auction platform.
Media can access more information on Hilton Hotels & Resorts at hilton.com.