Melwa to invest USD 100Mn, six Hilton hotels in Sri Lanka

Apr 05, 2017 (LBO) - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) signed six management agreements on Wednesday with Melwa Hotels and Resorts Private Limited to manage three Hilton Hotels and Resorts and three 'Double Tree by Hilton' properties in Sri Lanka. Melwa, a steel manufacturer which has diversified into the tourism sector, will invest 100 million US dollar to construct the six resorts. The project will be completed between 2019 and 2025 and will see the addition of 800 star class rooms to the islands hotel stock. It will also mark the entry of the award-winning 'Double Tree by Hilton' brand in Sri Lanka and expands Hilton’s presence in the country. The six new-build properties, including three resorts scheduled to opened between 2019 and 2025 are: • 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 “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 and Australasia, Hilton. “We are pleased to be working with a partner of the experience and standing of Melwa Hotels and 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. 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, Double Tree 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.