General Manager appointed at Hilton Surfers Paradise

GOLD COAST, Australia (October 26, 2010) –  Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ newest Australian hotel, Hilton Surfers Paradise, has appointed a General Manager ahead of the opening of the first stage in December 2010.

Hilton Surfers Paradise is the first leisure-focused hotel and residences development by Hilton Hotels & Resorts in Australia.  It is also the first international five-star equivalent hotel to be built on the Gold Coast since 2000.

Newly appointed General Manager, David Kelly, brings with him more than 20 years experience in the hospitality industry.  At least 15 of those years have been spent with Hilton Worldwide, both in Australia and internationally.

David was most recently the General Manager at Hilton Cairns, where he undertook major refurbishment projects and successfully restructured the business.

Prior to this he was Director of Business Development for Hilton Sydney during the hotel’s refurbishment and subsequent re-launch.  He also spent four years with Hilton in New York.

David Kelly said it was a great honor to be appointed as General Manager of the newest and most eagerly-awaited upper upscale hotel to be built on the Gold Coast in years.

“Hilton Surfers Paradise is set to deliver a new standard of contemporary holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast.  It will be the first hotel and residences offering by Hilton Hotels & Resorts in Australia, with 250 one, two and three-bedroom apartments available for holiday-makers,” David said.

“Hilton’s brand strength comes as a result of continuous innovation and developing hotel concepts that respond to our customers changing needs. The development of a hotel and residence concept caters for customers need for additional space and more flexible accommodation options, without sacrificing upscale service and five star facilities.”

"We are passionate about creating memorable experiences for our guests, and we are looking forward to bringing the refreshing hospitality we are known for throughout the world to the Gold Coast.  I look forward to welcoming the first guests to Hilton Surfers Paradise when Stage One opens in December,” he added.

Hilton Surfers Paradise consists of two towers, with Boulevard Tower opening its doors to both residents and guests in December 2010 and Orchid Tower, consisting of additional residences and a dedicated Hilton Hotel, scheduled to open in mid-2011.