Hilton Worldwide signed a franchise agreement with GLP Hotels for a 154-key conversion project to be known as Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residence in Noumea, New Caledonia. The property, currently the La Promenade, opened in 2008 and will undergo a refurbishment before officially opening under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts banner in mid 2013. This will be the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded property in Noumea, and is located on popular Anse Vata Beach.

"Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residence is a wonderful addition to our growing portfolio in Australasia,” said Robert Scullin, vice president, development, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide, “joining our three existing properties in the South Pacific -- Fiji Beach Resort & Spa managed by Hilton, Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa and Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa in French Polynesia." Hilton Worldwide currently has a portfolio of 15 hotels in Australasia, including eight properties in Australia, four in New Zealand and three in the South Pacific.

The three-tower Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residence has uninterrupted water views from every room. The hotel will feature 154 keys, including 21 Junior Suites, 68 Deluxe Suites, 20 Executive Suites and 45 Royal Suites, as well as a restaurant, bar, health club and outdoor swimming pool.

Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, is located in the world's largest lagoon, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lagoon contains an abundance of marine creatures and coral reefs, and offers a wide variety of activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing, wind surfing, kite surfing and fishing. New Caledonia is a two-hour flight from Sydney and Brisbane and three hours from New Zealand.