Rome, October 2004 Just a few months after the launch of its franchising program, Hilton International announces the first contract in Italy. The agreement has been signed with Euro Costruzioni S.p.a. for the opening, end of 2005, of the Hilton PortorosaGrand Hotel Portorosa in Sicily.
The hotel will be situated on the Patti Gulf (Messina) offering incomparable view on the Portorosa Marina port as well as on the Eolie islands. The 267 rooms, all with private terrace, will comply with Hilton's top hospitality standards including: satellite TV, Internet access, mini bar and safety box, to name just a few of the facilities guests will enjoy during their stay at the Hilton Portorosa.
The hotel will offer a wide range of services: a 1,000 sqm congress centre, one of the biggest and most functional in Southern Italy, with the latest technology and audio-video equipments; three restaurants and a piano bar overlooking the Sicilian sea and the Eolie islands; a Spa with highly qualified personnel and treatments for a remise en forme; three shops; private beach; private moorings for yachts; parking for 250 cars and reserved area for large buses.
The nine stories building, with a total surface of more than 25,000 sqm., will be built to ensure natural day light in all its spaces and in full respect of the environment.
Hilton Portorosa will be strategically located close to the two main highways in Sicily, directly accessible by private yachts from Portorosa Marina, the most important tourist port in Sicily, helicopter service allows to reach the Catania Fontanarossa International airport in 18 minutes.
The opening of Hilton Portorosa will be a milestone in the Sicilian hospitality market for leisure and business tourism, a new bench mark in one of the trendiest areas of the island. Its proximity to Mount Etna, the Eolie islands, the Sanctuary and Greek Theatre of Tindari, the cities of Taormina and Catania makes Hilton Portorosa an ideal destination that perfectly combines culture, relax and fun.
Theo Kreutzer, Vice President Hilton Western Europe & Mediterranean commented: "We are extremely proud to announce that Hilton Portorosa will be the first Hilton franchise in Italy. It is certainly a good start in the implementation of the Hilton International franchising program in this country. This first agreement will help us achieving our objective: to rapidly increase our portfolio both in selected markets and in those where Hilton International is not yet present".
Giuseppe Garraffo, Chief Executive of Euro Costruzioni , added: "Euro Costruzioni is particularly proud to have become a partner of a leading brand in the hospitality industry such as Hilton. We are certain that Hilton Portorosa will soon become a reference point in the Sicilian hospitality industry".
Hilton International in Italy currently operate 4 hotels with 1.586 bedrooms in the Country
Hilton International (HI), an operating division of the UK based Hilton Group plc, owns the rights to the Hilton brand name throughout the world, with the exception of the USA. HI operates 394 hotels, with some 253 branded Hilton, 47 of which under the Hilton Worldwide Resorts, plus 141 under the mid-market Scandic brand. Under a joint venture agreement, Hilton International and the North American based Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) share responsibility for the Conrad brand, which includes 17 hotels in 12 countries.
Hilton International Grand Vacations Company presently operates 4 resorts in Scotland and Egypt, comprising 271 timeownership units.
A global marketing alliance between Hilton International and Hilton Hotels Corporation extends the number of hotels operated by both companies worldwide to over 2,500 over 500 of which are branded Hilton.
Committed to doing business in a responsible way, Hilton International's aim is to bring a positive benefit to the societies in which it operates through high quality services, economic growth, environmental protection, community involvement and employment.
