GEORGE TOWN, June 16 — Hilton Worldwide today announced that it will open the country’s first DoubleTree Resort in Penang next year.

The global leader of upscale hotels signed a management agreement with Pinnacle Nexus Sdn Bhd, a member of Cornerstone Partners, today to open DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang at the popular tourist belt of Batu Ferringhi here.

The RM230 million project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and open its doors in early 2016.

“The international appeal of Penang makes it the best place for the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton to open here,” said Cornerstone Partners chief executive officer Jason Chong.

Hilton Worldwide's vice president of development (Asia) Guy Philips said the signing of the agreement with Pinnacle Nexus underscore Hilton's commitment to develop its portfolio of brands in Malaysia.

Hilton Worldwide currently operates six hotels under the Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton brands in Malaysia.

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will become the brand's third property in Malaysia, after DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur and DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru.

The resort is located as the site of the former Hydro Majestic Hotel, where the existing building will undergo an extensive refurbishment of its public areas, rooms and suites.

The new resort will feature 318 rooms, three restaurants, a lobby bar, a café, a ballroom, function rooms and recreational areas.

One of the main attractions of the hotel will be the introduction of Malaysia's first teddy bear themed museum and gallery — Teddyville — located within the building itself.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who witnessed the signing ceremony at 32 Mansion here, said the tourism industry in the state has been the catalyst towards the growth of Penang's economy.

The services sector now accounts for 47 per cent of the state's GDP as compared to 48 per cent by the manufacturing sector.

There are now 179 hotels in Penang, offering 15,499 rooms, he said.

Lim said the tourism industry is expected to continue seeing growth and expressed his confidence that the new resort will contribute towards the growth.

He said the state fully supports the initiation of new hotels on the island.