Hilton International has announced plans to expand its portfolio of luxury resorts with a total of 14 new destinations set to open in the next three years.

David Michels, Hilton Group chief executive, said: “This is a growth area for Hilton, as the demand for out resort package grows, our aim is to offer guests the best service in exotic locations throughout the world.

Resort openings for 2004 include Conrad-branded resort and spas in Indonesia and Thailand and Hilton properties in the Philippines, Croatia and the Caribbean. In 2005, Hilton resorts will open in Fiji, Italy, France and the Seychelles and a Hilton eco-lodge will open in Brazil.

Four more will open in 2006: in Florida, New Mexico, Australia and Thailand.

The group has also announced a franchise agreement with Princess Hotels & Resorts for the Hotel Princess Zona Rosa in San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America.

The six-year-old, 204-room hotel, which overlooks the San Salvador volcano, will be renamed the Hilton Princess San Salvador.

Princess Hotels & Resorts will continue to manage the property with a long term Hilton franchise and is currently in negotiations to agree franchise deals on two of its other hotels, the Princess San Pedro Sula Hotel in Honduras and the Princess Managua in Nicaragua. The two properties could be converted into the Hilton brand within 18 months.

“These contracts advance Hilton International’s goal of franchising the Hilton brand to experienced and capable owners in markets with high barriers to entry,” said Howard Friedman, president of Hilton International for the Americas.

“We look forward to these being the first of many franchise projects in Central America.” Details: www.hilton.com