YTL Hotels Wins 'Deal Of The Year' at Hicap Hong Kong 2010

The award was voted by more than 700 attendees that included hotel investors, financiers, developers and top industry professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. YTL Hotels was among 10 entries which were shortlisted to three finalists including Four Points by Sheraton, Sydney and Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen.

The acquisition includes 461 hectares of freehold land from Citigroup Principal Investments for US$66million comprising the 506-room Hilton Niseko Village, the 200-room Green Leaf Niseko Village - which is currently undergoing an extensive transformation to open in December - and two 18-hole golf courses, one of which was designed by Arnold Palmer, as well as seven ski lifts and 15 ski trails, a 23-court tennis complex, the Niseko Village Snow School, several natural onsens and an all-season equestrian centre.

This is part of a global expansion plan in line with YTL Hotels' vision to bolster its global operations and enhance its existing collection of hotels and resorts. "Niseko Village presents a unique opportunity to develop a world-class ski resort destination in Asia along the lines of Vail in Colorado, Whistler in the British Columbia and sister city, St Moritz.," said James McBride, President, YTL Hotels. "Rarely are you able to start with a blank canvass of more than 1,000 acres of some of the most beautiful countryside in the world to re-energise a mountain resort community and transform Niseko Village into our vision of Asia's premier resort destination."

Other winners were Marina Bay Sands for the 'Reggie Shiu Development of the Year' Award and the 'HICAP Innovation of the Year' that was awarded to Sheldon G. Adelson, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Las Vegas ands Corp.

The 21st HICAP event attracted more than 700 delegates worldwide and was hosted by BHN, the worldwide leader in developing and organizing conferences for the hotel and tourism investment community; Horwath HTL, the world's largest hotel industry specialized consulting organization; and Stiles Capital Events.