Japan's Hotel Nikko Naha Grand Castle to be Converted to DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle, Opening July 2016
TOKYO, JA. and MCLEAN, VA. January 21, 2016 - Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) and DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the signing of a management agreement with Ryukyu Hotel Resort Naha Co., Ltd to re-brand Hotel Nikko Naha Grand Castle and to manage the hotel as DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle. When the converted DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle opens in July 2016, it will be Hilton Worldwide's 13th operating hotel in Japan.
"The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle closely follows the success of Hilton Tokyo Odaiba and marks another important milestone in our expansion across key destinations in Japan. It demonstrates the strong relationship we have with our partners, as well as our commitment to growing our presence in this market where we have been operating for more than 50 years," said Andrew Clough, senior vice president, development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle will be Hilton Worldwide's third operating hotel in Okinawa, adding to its existing hotels in Okinawa including Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort and DoubleTree by Hilton Naha. Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, a tourism-driven region that is enjoying a steady growth in international visitor arrivals, supported by the government's tourism promotion campaigns, visa deregulation, favorable exchange rates and an increase in flights and cruise ships. The number of international visitors expected to top 10 million by 2021, which translates to 1 trillion yen in tourism income. The number of domestic visitors is also growing. When the second runway at Naha Airport is completed in 2020, the increased capacity is projected to boost the growth of domestic arrivals from a 1% annually to 7%.
"The DoubleTree by Hilton brand continues to enjoy strong resonance and growth in Asia Pacific, and we are happy to be strengthening our presence in Okinawa following the success of the DoubleTree by Hilton Naha - the brand's first hotel in Japan," said Dianna Vaughan, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "Japan is well known for its service culture and we're confident that guests staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle will be delighted by the brand's award-winning friendly service culture - starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome at check-in."
Located at the top of Shuri Hill in Okinawa's capital city of Naha, DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle is adjacent to the tourist attraction of Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the residence of royalty. Other historical and cultural sites, as well as the city's most popular shopping and entertainment districts of Kokusai-Dori (about three kilometers) and Makishi Marketplace (about two kilometers), are also less than a 15-minute walk (about 800 meters) from the hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle is accessible by monorail and also served by Naha Airport, located about seven kilometers away.
"Hilton Worldwide's global reputation as a leading hospitality company and its intimate knowledge of the Japanese market will give DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle a significant competitive edge that will deliver a strong performance," said Tatsuaki Makino, Representative Director of Ryukyu Hotel Resort Naha Co., Ltd.
The 20-story DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle will have 333 rooms that offer panoramic views of the city. The hotel will have two specialty restaurants, an all-day dining restaurant, a lounge and a bar. DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle will also offer 1,728 square meters of meeting space, including a 568-square meter ballroom and a chapel for weddings. Recreational facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool.
About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 440 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents and nearly 40,000 rooms in the pipeline, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our Team Members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers Team Members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in and choose their room. To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at http://www.doubletree.com.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,500 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 745,000 rooms in 97 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information.
Contact:
Audrey Wong
Hilton Worldwide - Asia Pacific
[email protected]
+65 6833 9763
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
