DoubleTree by Hilton Signs Agreement for First Hotel in Japan

Hilton Worldwide today signed a management agreement with ASV Investment Co., Ltd to introduce the first DoubleTree by Hilton property to Japan. Scheduled to open in mid-2012 as Hilton Worldwide's tenth property in Japan, the 228-room DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha will be located in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa. Situated at the heart of Naha's central business district, DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha will be located directly opposite the Okinawa Monorail station in Asahibashi, 11 minutes away from Naha Airport by monorail and 500 meters away from the local ferry terminal.

"With close to 50 years of proud history in Japan, Hilton Worldwide enjoys strong recognition as an international hotel name in Japan. With the signing and arrival of the DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha, we are thrilled to be adding a new chapter to our history in Japan with the arrival of our third brand as part of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels in Japan, along with our existing Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts brands. Backed by the strong partnership with ASV Investment Co., Ltd, we are confident that the hotel will support the growth of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Japan, adding to the already flourishing growth the brand is enjoying pan-Asia Pacific," said Andrew Clough, senior vice president - development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha guests will benefit from the characteristic qualities currently found at the brand's more than 280 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 23 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand's legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, "We are honoured to have the opportunity to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Japan later this year and look forward to the future prospects of developing a network of hotels under our brand affiliation across the country. Our ultimate goal is to create rewarding hotel experiences through an outstanding combination of contemporary style and best-in-class hospitality that appeal to both residents and visitors. The upcoming opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha will be an excellent representation of our brand as well a significant milestone in our brand's continued growth strategy to provide outstanding hotel offerings in gateway countries and cities around the world."

Located along Higashimachi, DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha is just one kilometer from Kokusai Dori, the premier shopping district in Naha, and various Okinawa government and business centres such as Okinawa City Hall, Tax Bureau, Commerce Authority and the Electricity Supply Bureau. The Shuri Castle, formerly a royal palace during the time of the Ryuku Kingdom and presently a world heritage site, is 5 kilometers away. The 13-storey DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha will have an all-day dining restaurant and a salon, as well as a meeting room, a laundry and car parking facilities.

Okinawa is one of Japan's southern prefectures and consists of 160 islands with a population of 1.4 million people. The capital city of Naha is located in the southern part of the largest and most populous island and is the centre for politics, economics and education. While the information technology industry is a core driver of economic growth, tourism is Okinawa's largest industry and the prefecture hosts nearly 5.9 million visitors a year. It has also seen increasing incentive trips from mainland Japan and surrounding countries thanks to strong support from the Okinawa government for the promotion of the prefecture as a meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) destination, as evidenced by the recent establishment of the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"We believe that DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha presents the ideal business combination of Hilton Worldwide's renowned legacy of hospitality with our strong local market knowledge. Okinawa is one of the top destinations for domestic travelers in Japan and this being the latest internationally branded hotel of its kind in the market, we are confident that it will appeal to both holiday makers and business travelers," said Etsuko Ozburn, president, ASV Investment Co., Ltd.

For more information on DoubleTree by Hilton, please contact your local travel professional or visit the brand's website at www.doubletree.com.

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About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels

With a fast-growing global collection of contemporary, upscale hotels in more than 280 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five continents, 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 more than 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.

To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels. For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.