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Hilton takes over Sri Lanka

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Six management agreements with Melwa Hotels and Resorts Private Limited to manage three Hilton Hotels and 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, the line-up includes – Hilton Kandy Resort, Hilton Yala Resort and Spa, Hilton Kosgoda Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Nuwara-Eliya, DoubleTree by Hilton Colombo International Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Negombo.

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 per cent increase from 2015. 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.

Hilton Kandy, Hilton Yala Resort and 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 programme for Hilton's 14 distinct brands. Members can also redeem their Points for free nights, and can gain access to unique events through the Hilton Honors auction platform.
 

Upscale resort in Weerawila

A 140-room DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2018. The latest signing brings the current Hilton pipeline hotels in Sri Lanka to seven properties. The new development is a result of DoubleTree by Hilton signing a management agreement with KDU Adventures (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of KDU Group (Pvt) Ltd.

"With a fast-growing, global portfolio of more than 500 upscale properties, we are delighted that our award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand is gaining traction in Sri Lanka. The DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila will mark the fourth upcoming DoubleTree by Hilton property in this emerging market," said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "As the first upscale hotel in Weerawila, we look forward to delivering exceptional experiences to guests beginning with our signature, warm DoubleTree Cookie welcome."

Located in the town of Tissamaharama, within Sri Lanka's Hambantota district, DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila lies on the bank of tranquil Lake Weerawila. It is also near to the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary, a nesting ground for hundreds of diverse bird species.

The hotel provides good accessibility to three of the top 10 most visited wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka: Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, and Bundala National Park. It is also near to the Matala International Airport, the Hambantota Port, Kataragama and Sacred City, and is within a short distance to the historic Tissamaharama town center. Sri Lankan wildlife sanctuaries are renowned for their extensive diversity of wild animal life as well as ecosystems ranging from monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands.

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