Hilton launches new global resort brand at ATM 2003

With the regional launch of its first resort brand at Arabian Travel Market 2003, Hilton Worldwide Resorts™ will offer guests a unique leisure experience at some of the most exciting and exotic holiday destinations around the globe. The exclusive properties that constitute Hilton Worldwide Resorts™ include 40 resort properties in total, 15 of which are located in the Middle East, with plans to open several more over the next two years.

Speaking at a press conference for Arabian Travel Market, Rudi Jagersbacher, Hilton International's Vice President, Arabian Peninsula, said, "Selected properties have been hand-picked from Hilton's worldwide property portfolio to create this elite group of resort hotels. It's an innovative concept in leisure hospitality, and we are proud that four properties from the Arabian Peninsula have been selected for inclusion as Hilton Worldwide Resorts."

Hilton Worldwide Resorts™ offers guests a total resort experience in some of the most exciting and exotic locations worldwide - from the palm fringed beaches of the Pacific Ocean to the Scottish Highlands, the exotic reefs of Egypt to the tranquil shores of the Arabian Peninsula. Hilton resort properties in the GCC include Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Fujairah in the UAE, Hilton Salalah in Oman, and Hilton Kuwait Resort.

To assist holidaymakers in their choice of holiday destination, each resort is classified under a specific category in which they excel. These categories include diving, golf, family, romance and spa. Two-stop Hilton holiday packages are predicted to be extremely popular with travellers wishing to experience more than one location during their holiday, in particular the Dubai, Maldives or Mauritius package.

Over 120 Hilton International hotels are participating in this year's 'Hilton for Free' promotion which runs until the end of September, offering Middle East travellers an opportunity to gain incremental free room nights when booking for three consecutive nights or more. For every three consecutive nights stay, guests receive one further night free, for every five nights stayed, guests receive two nights free, and for every seven consecutive nights booked, guests will receive three extra nights free of charge.

Supported by Visa, an exclusive benefit of ten percent discount will also be extended to Visa cardholders when booking their holiday this summer. Additionally, guests will also receive 500 Hilton HHonors points, double Air Miles, and for the first time ever, the offer is applicable not only to Deluxe Rooms, but also for Suites and Executive Floor rooms.

"As part of a regional effort to stimulate travel within the Middle East and beyond, Hilton for Free is the ideal summer promotion. Now in its sixth successive year and with added benefits, it is a very popular and well-received promotion. It's ideal for the large numbers of Middle East residents taking long holidays each summer and offers great value-for-money," said Guy Epsom, Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Hilton International, Arabian Peninsula.

"The Gulf is one of the fastest growing leisure and business destinations worldwide. We have a deep-rooted commitment to the Middle East and a unique understanding of the needs of Arab travellers. Hilton has partnered with British Airways and it is safe to say that no other airline and hotel partnership is doing more for the Arab traveller this summer. Additionally, with the launch of Hilton Worldwide Resorts™ and our new Hilton for Free summer promotion, guests can look forward to value-for-money and outstanding service and facilities from Hilton," concluded Epsom.