Hilton takes over IHG’s hotels in NT
Hilton Worldwide has signed a multi-unit management agreement with BG Group of Hotels to manage four hotels, marking the company’s entry into the Northern Territory and the introduction of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand into Australia.
The properties, currently operating and subject to conversion works, will join Hilton Cairns as a portfolio of five BG Group of Hotels properties being operated by Hilton Worldwide. The rebranded properties will join Hilton Worldwide’s existing portfolio of 15 hotels in Australasia and include:
• Hilton Darwin – 235 rooms
• DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin – 184 rooms
• DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin – 197 rooms
• DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs – 235 rooms
Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Hilton Worldwide has been operating in Australia for more than 35 years and during that time we have focused on growing our portfolio in key business and leisure destinations in the region with important strategic partners.”
“Hilton Worldwide is proud to have been selected to rebrand and operate these important hotels. We are delighted to be able to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and to add another Hilton Hotel & Resort in the region’s most significant areas of growth,” said Ashley Spencer, vice president, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide. “We have been looking to enter into the Northern Territory for some time and to be working with BG Group of Hotels is a privilege. We are committed to making these properties the leading full-service hotels in the market.”
The BG Group of Hotels, owned and controlled by Ludvik Berger, own a portfolio of properties in Australia and Spain. In addition to the four Australian properties mentioned earlier, BG Hotels also own the Holiday Inn in Cairns and are currently negotiating the purchase of another significant property.
Mr Berger said, “Over a number of years we have developed a successful relationship with Hilton Worldwide as managers of our property in North Queensland, the Hilton Cairns. Due to the success of this property, it made a great deal of sense for Hilton Worldwide to manage four more of our properties in the Northern Territory. We are particularly pleased to introduce the first DoubleTree by Hilton properties to Australia, which we believe will meet the needs of our customers and continue to provide jobs in the region.”
He added, ” John Rodger, our managing director in Australia, will be responsible for the transitions and the ongoing operations and we are sure that the changes will be seamless and there will be little or no interruption to operations.”
InterContinental Hotels Group has confirmed it will cease management of the four Northern Territory hotels.
In a statement IHG said the management contracts for these four Australian properties in the Northern Territory will not be renewed, adding the decision was reached after both parties looked to other opportunities.
“While we are saddened by the end of a long relationship, IHG is confident of its future in Australia,” said IHG’s head of development for Australasia, Phil Kasselis.
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