October 24, 2011 - The award-winning Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa on the Gold Coast today reached a major milestone with the completion of its extensive $20 million refurbishment at an event attended by some of Queensland’s Government, tourism and business leaders.

The resort was officially re-launched by the Minister for Tourism Jan Jarratt, Marriott International’s Asia Pacific President and Managing Director, Simon Cooper, and Director of EHP (Gold Coast) Pty Ltd, the owning company, Mr. Erhard Hotter.

Speaking at the re-launch ceremony, Simon Cooper said: “The fact that our partners EHP (Gold Coast) Pty Ltd have committed $20 million to the refurbishment of the property speaks volumes for their confidence in the Gold Coast brand. Marriott International is a global company and has great commitment to this hotel and the future success of the Gold Coast.”

Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa first launched more than 19 years ago and is a tourism icon of the Gold Coast with an international reputation.

The luxurious 28 level resort features 329 rooms and is located on a serene riverfront site just a few minutes from the heart of Surfers Paradise. All rooms offer breathtaking views of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Surfers Paradise skyline or Pacific Ocean.

Mr. Hotter said the owners had a vision to take the Marriott to a new level of style and sophistication.

“The refurbishment works that have been undertaken are a strong vote of confidence in the Gold Coast, tourism in Australia and the property itself which is now right up at the top of the five star rankings nationally,” he said.

The resort’s General Manager Peter Brampton says the completion of the refurbishment had seen the hotel regain the mantle of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious and unique hotel.

“The Marriott caused a sensation when it opened and our lagoon pool with its tropical fish has been a unique attraction that for almost two decades has drawn guests back to the resort time and again,” he said.

“So significant is our lagoon pool and ‘swim with the fish’ experience that we have asked the Minister to release the final fish stocks into the lagoon to signify the completion of our refurbishment.”

The hotel’s extensive makeover has included an upgrade to all guest rooms including the opulent Presidential Suite, lobby area, lagoon pool area, front entry, dedicated events floor and a new all-day dining interactive restaurant, Citrique.

“The hotel is positioned at the very top of the five-star tree on the Gold Coast and the resort now provides guests with a level of elegance and comfort that is unmatched,” said Mr. Brampton.

“The Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa raises the bar in terms of luxury resort hotel accommodation and facilities locally and it is without doubt one of the finest hotels in Australia.

“We are confident that all past and future guests who experience the new look Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa they will want to come time and again.

“The Gold Coast’s tourism sector is one of the main economic planks for the entire city and the investment being made at Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa by owners EHP (Gold Coast) Pty Ltd, is a vote of confidence in the future of the industry and the strength of the Gold Coast brand.

“The economic trickle down affect from the hotel on the overall Gold Coast economy runs into millions of dollars per annum with hundreds of permanent and part time jobs created by our operation.

“In the culinary area alone we employ more than 90 full time chefs.”

All of the guest rooms have been completely remodelled and boast a contemporary look with neutral colours and accents of coral, crisp whites and creams with the furniture reflecting a modern Queensland coastal charm.

The refurbishment has also included an upgrade to all function rooms on the dedicated events floor. The state-of-the-art floor is set aside exclusively for the conference, incentive, weddings and special events market.

The Presidential Suite is located on the 28th floor and is the epitome of unsurpassed five-star elegance. Complete with its own dining room, separate living area, master bedroom and spacious ensuite with spa, the Presidential Suite is expected to attract both Australian and international guests in search of a bespoke experience.

The Elandra Retreat Club suites are located on the top four floors of the resort and are designed for the discerning leisure or business traveller. They offer access to a contemporary lounge that offers complementary food and beverages throughout the day.

The resort has also positioned itself as a clear leader in dining, featuring the recently opened Citrique interactive restaurant – with four different dining zones and eight international culinary concepts, it has already set a new benchmark in dining for the Gold Coast.

The property also features a new ‘grab-and-go’ deli called Java Plus, a luxurious lobby lounge bar, Japanese Sake Bar, Benihana Japanese Steakhouse , world-class Lattouf Hair and Day Spa, gymnasium and a new WIFI lounge area located on the ground floor for guests to enjoy Internet access 24 hours a day. WIFI is also available throughout the rest of the resort.

For company information visit, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR). For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.