Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Opens As Largest Hilton Property In Asia Pacific

Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of its largest hotel in Asia Pacific, Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk. Featuring 1,052 guest rooms and more than 6,000 square meters of event space, the hotel is the brand's first property in Fukuoka, a major gateway to China and Korea.

Formerly known as the JAL Resort Sea Hawk Hotel Fukuoka, the property will undergo approximately US $20 million of refurbishments initially focused on its executive floors, foyer and other public areas. Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk is the eighth Hilton branded property and ninth Hilton Worldwide hotel in Japan.

"As the number one hotel brand in Japan*, Hilton is proud to open this iconic property, which is a destination in itself," Dave Horton, Global Head, Hilton Hotels brand, said. "Guests will enjoy refreshing Hilton hospitality while exploring one of Japan's most vibrant cities."

Located on the waterfront of Fukuoka, the hotel offers beautiful ocean views and forms part of an extensive and dynamic entertainment complex, Hawks Town, the premier regional center for entertainment and shopping in Kyushu. It also includes the famous Fukuoka Yahoo! JAPAN DOME, the home stadium of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks baseball team.

Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu and considered a strategic gateway city to East Asia, as it overlooks the Korean Strait and is Japan's closest city to Korea, China and Taiwan. The area is a prime destination for travelers wanting to discover authentic Japanese experiences and is known for its cultural sites, seafood and natural beauty.

"Hilton Worldwide is committed to creating a network of hotels in Japan to service the needs of domestic and international travelers, and Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk is a very welcome addition to our portfolio," Martin Rinck, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, said. "The hotel's location in the city of Fukuoka is the perfect place from which to attract visitors from China and Korea where Hilton has strong brand presence. We are looking forward to working with the hotel's owner, Hawks Town Corporation, to further enhance the hotel's offerings and create a sustainable and dynamic business."

"We are delighted Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk has officially opened and we look forward to working with Hilton Worldwide to create a hotel that is renowned for its location, service and facilities," said Eiji Ikawa, President - Hawks Town Corporation. "Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk is an integral part of the Hawks Town complex and we believe the Hilton brand will help to encourage tourists and locals to visit the complex and enjoy one or more of the many facilities the hotel has to offer."

One of the largest hotels in Japan, Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk features an extensive array of food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurants and bars. The meeting and conference facilities comprise over 6,000 square meters of function space, including a 4,114 square meter ballroom, six function rooms and 13 meeting rooms.

Other facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a sauna. The property also features three wedding chapels that can accommodate more than 900 weddings per year. The hotel's extensive catering and meeting facilities, its unique location, as well as Hilton's renowned service and brand recognition, will position the hotel to capture a large share of the local wedding market and international and domestic MICE business. 
*Source: 2009 BDRC Survey