Speaking at a press conference held at the Conrad Bangkok, Panwaburi Co. Ltd. Director, Khun Methee Tanmanatragul said his company was excited at the prospect of working closely with the well-known operator of the luxury Conrad Hotels brand. �With its strong global sales and marketing network, Conrad will bring to this partnership an ability to efficiently promote, sell and manage our Panwa Bay property.  We believe our co-operation with Conrad will give us a very strong position within Thailand�s luxury resort segment.�
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Clem Barter, President of Conrad Hotels added: �Thailand is one of the most significant and fastest growing business and leisure destinations in Asia and a priority in our regional strategy to grow our city hotels and resorts portfolio. I have no doubt that the Panwaburi Resort, due to be re-branded in 2004 as the Conrad Phuket Resort & Spa, will become a leading hotel in the luxury segment of the market.�

According to Barter, the opening of a second Conrad hotel in Thailand, after the successful opening of the Conrad Bangkok in January 2003, will create the opportunity of a dual-destination that offers the buzz and excitement of Bangkok and a luxury beachside retreat at Panwa Bay. 

�Besides Asia, Conrad�s expansion continues in other continents. Today, we are also  announcing further developments in the United States. After the successful re-branding of the Waldorf Towers in New York, the Conrad Miami is due to open in January 2004. Other projects in North America, Europe and the Middle East are currently under review,� he commented.

The Panwaburi Resort and Spa located on the east side of Phuket will undergo a 12-month enhancement program before being reflagged as the Conrad Phuket Resort & Spa and positioned as an intimate beachside retreat.

�Over the next 12 months we will invest more than US$ 7 million dollars to upgrade the property to the renowned Conrad standards,� Methee said.

Enhancements include the construction of 31 luxury villas, each with a private plunge pool, upgrades to the existing 79 rooms and the development of a large infinity-edge swimming pool three times the size of the existing pool and offering sweeping ocean views. Other changes will include the construction of five retail outlets and a 100-seat restaurant offering island and ocean views.

Throughout the renovation process, the property will continue to operate as the Panwaburi Resort and Spa.

Conrad Hotels is a joined venture owned equally by Hilton International and Hilton Hotels Corporation. Hilton International (HI), an operating division of the UK based Hilton Group plc, owns the rights to the Hilton brand name throughout the world, with the exception of North America. HI operates over 400 hotels, representing the Hilton, Scandic and Conrad Hotels brands.  Hilton Hotels Corporation manages and develops 2,084 hotels, resorts and timeshare properties and represents a wide range of brands in North and Central Americas.  These include: Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Conrad. A marketing alliance between Hilton International and the North American based Hilton Hotels Corporation, extends the number of hotels of both companies worldwide to 2,484.