Hilton Begins Construction of Orlando Project
MARCH 23, 2007. On March 20, 2007, a ceremonial groundbreaking marked the official start of construction of the third Hilton Grand Vacations Club resort in the thriving Orlando market. When completed, the new development will be Hilton's largest and most luxurious timeshare resort in Florida.
The new Hilton Grand Vacations Club resort will be operated by Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC the timeshare division of Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE: HLT). Upon the anticipated opening in January 2009, the resort will strengthen the company's existing Orlando portfolio: the 516-unit Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld International Center and the 440-unit Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive.
Projected to ultimately include 1,200 units, the first of seven planned phases will feature 141 superbly appointed one- and two-bedroom timeshare accommodations. Upon completion, the resort is designed to provide a spectacular setting featuring dramatic landscaping and walking paths, and extensive amenities including a super pool with interactive water features, full-service spa, poolside restaurant and bar, fitness center, deli and gift shop. The resort will be built on a 52-acre site within the sprawling master planned development of Midtown, a centrally located 214-acre project proposed to include a variety of upscale lakefront amenities including restaurants, boutiques, office space, and accommodations.
The official groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by Antoine Dagot, Executive Vice President, Hilton Hotels Corporation and President and CEO, Hilton Grand Vacations Company. According to Dagot, the new Hilton Grand Vacations Club resort will bring the Orlando vacation experience to the next level while perpetuating Hilton's leadership in the market.
"For more than 12 years, Hilton has recognized the significance of Orlando as one of the world's top vacation destinations through its commitment to develop extraordinary timeshare resorts here. The quality and success of our first two Club projects inspired the development of a third Orlando resort, and the new project is already receiving an enthusiastic response," said Dagot.
Dagot also noted the company's vision to create the ultimate setting for unforgettable vacations: "The property itself will offer an unsurpassed setting and distinctive amenities, the local attractions are simply the best in the world, and the adjoining Midtown development will offer our owners and guests immediate access to upscale restaurants and retail establishments."
The groundbreaking ceremony also featured presentations by Hilton Grand Vacations executives including: David Desforges, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, who recognized the contributions of key project development resources; and Kim Robert Kreiger, Senior Vice President and Chief Club Officer, who acknowledged the tremendous satisfaction of Club Members with the quality of the Hilton Grand Vacations Club resorts and the unique benefits of the Club membership program.
Among the honored guests were the reigning Miss Florida, Allison Kreiger; and participants in the "Vacations for Vets" program. Since 2006, Hilton Grand Vacations has partnered with the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) to offer the Vacations for Vets program. Through this initiative, Hilton Grand Vacations works with liaisons at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to provide complimentary vacation accommodations for U.S. military personnel recovering from injuries sustained while serving our country. Hilton timeshare owners have supported this initiative by donating their ClubPoints (the "currency" of Hilton Grand Vacations Club) to help make available luxury resort stays for wounded service members - providing these veterans an opportunity to relax and enjoy vacation time with their families.
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC (HGVC) is a division of Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE: HLT), recognized as the leading global hospitality company. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hilton Grand Vacations develops, markets and operates a system of brand name, high-quality vacation ownership resorts in select vacation destinations. The company also manages two innovative club membership programs, Hilton Grand Vacations Club(R) and The Hilton Club(R), providing exclusive exchange, leisure travel and reservation services for 114,000 Club Members.
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 
