AusLeisure

Delaware North has extended its tourism operations in Australia with the acquisition of five prestigious resorts currently operating under the Voyages brand.

The properties are the Lizard Island Resort, Heron Island Resort and Wilson Island Resort in Queensland; the El Questro Wilderness Park & Homestead, The Kimberley, Western Australia; and the Kings Canyon Resort in the Northern Territory.

Jonathan Tribe, Managing Director of Delaware North Companies International, explains that the acquisitions are in line with the long term vision of Delaware North to build its hospitality business in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific.

"We have built our business in Australia in sports stadiums, entertainment venues and travel hospitality. The move into the ownership and operation of world class resorts is the next stage of our long term growth.

"We have an amazing international history of operating in special places, including Niagara Falls, Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon, Sequoia National Park, Kennedy Space Centre and Harrison Hot Springs outside of Vancouver, and to bring this expertise and management experience to Australia is incredibly exciting for us.

"Visitors to our resorts will find themselves in special places that only Australia can offer - from the Kimberley to the Red Centre and the Great Barrier Reef.

"We understand the reputations of these resorts have been established through the combination of their natural beauty and the work of the current staff.

Delaware North intends to offer these staff members the opportunity to stay on when it assumes management of the resorts.

Delaware North is acquiring the properties from the GPT Group and intends to commence operations in late October 2009. All existing bookings, nett rates, terms, conditions and booking agreements will be honoured.

The GPT owned Voyages Hotels and Resorts will continue to manage all reservations, enquiries, billing and marketing until the official handover.

Globally, Delaware North Companies Incorporated is one the world's largest providers of hospitality and food service employing 50,000 employees throughout North and South America, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

For more information go to www.delawarenorth.com

24th September 2008 - LUXURY RESORTS FOR SALE

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