Hilton International (HI) To Open First Hilton Worldwide Resort in France | Evian

Paris - Hilton International announced it will open its first Hilton Worldwide Resort in France - in the historic spa town of Evian. The unique five-star Hilton Evian Resort & Spa, scheduled for completion early 2006, will form part of the expanding Hilton Worldwide Resorts portfolio and enhance Hilton International's growing presence in France, where it currently operates eight hotels.

The luxurious, 40million Euro, Hilton Evian Resort & Spa project is already underway in the century-old spa location of Evian with its unique natural setting in the heart of Haute-Svoie. The 173-room resort will command a prime position facing Lake Geneva and neighbouring the renowned Evian spas. Stylish rooms and suites will overlook the lake and the resort will offer two gastronomic restaurants, meeting facilities, reception areas and a comprehensive fitness centre with direct, private access to the Evian spa facilities.

At the heart of the resort, and in keeping with the natural beauty and harmony of the surrounding environment, will be the fitness centre and a design themed on water, nature and wellness. Directly linked by a private walkway to the Evian spa and springs, the fitness centre will offer complementary products and will be privately managed the operation of which will be entrusted to a prestigious, specialized brand, and will follow in the footsteps of the Carita and Decleor brands at the newly opened Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris.

Guests at Hilton Evian Resort & Spa will benefit from the beauty and energy of the surrounding environment and private walkways will provide access to the Lake's shore and to the boat stage for those wishing to take the ferry from Evian to Lausanne or enjoy a pleasure cruise. The City of Evian also offers golf, sailing pursuits, the marina, hot spring packages, gourmet dining, cultural festivals and sporting events.

Hilton Evian Resort & Spa, owned by Maltese firm, Tumas Group, will be developed and managed by Hilton International. The resort will play an active role in contributing to the city of Evian's reputation and Hilton is currently working with, and will continue to work with, the local authorities and businesses to actively promote the destination of Evian.

Hilton Worldwide Resorts is an upscale, global resort network with a collection of 47 resorts, located in exotic places, making up the world's largest global choice. Currently, 34 resorts are operated by Hilton International, 11 by Hilton Hotels Corporation and two by Conrad. The network spans 21 countries and seven regions including the Americas, Arabian Gulf, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Egypt, Europe and the Indian Ocean. New resort openings are planned in Thailand, the Philippines, Seychelles, Fiji, France, America, Italy, Brazil and Australia.

For more information, bookings, virtual tours or to order a brochure: Visit , telephone Hilton Reservations Worldwide toll free: 00 800 44 45 86 68, in the U.S. call Hilton Resorts toll free at 1-800-HILTONS or speak to your local travel agent.

• Hilton Worldwide Resorts is an upscale, global network of 47 resorts in exotic locations, making up the world's largest global choice
• Currently, 34 resorts are operated by Hilton International, 11 resorts by Hilton Hotels Corporation and two resorts by Conrad
• The network spans 21 countries and seven regions including Asia Pacific, the Indian Ocean, Europe and Israel, Egypt, the Arabian Gulf, the Caribbean and the Americas
• New resort openings are planned in Thailand, Croatia, the Philippines, the Caribbean, Seychelles, Fiji, France, America, Italy, Brazil and Australia
• 37 resorts specialize in diving
• 27 resorts are ideal for romantic holidays
• 28 resorts cater specifically for families
• 16 resorts feature championship golf courses
• 19 resorts are home to world-class spas
• 7 resorts are all-inclusive