WITH A PORTFOLIO OF 42 HOTELS IN SAUDI ARABIA AND 56 MORE UNDERWAY, ACCOR EXPECTS TO DOUBLE ITS PRESENCE IN THE KINGDOM BY 2027

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, is pleased to provide an update on its ambitious expansion plans throughout Saudi Arabia, in keeping with the company’s commitment to support Saudi Arabia Vision 2030. Pivotal to these plans, are three recently announced signings with key strategic owning partners for exciting new hospitality projects: The Rua Al Madinah project, in Madinah; a master-planned development project in Riyadh; and, a multi-city, master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality.

“The future of Saudi Arabia is extremely bright and Accor is accelerating expansion plans to meet the growing demand for modern, multi-faceted experiences – for guests, locals, homeowners, and our investment partners,” said Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, Accor. “As the largest hotel operator in the Kingdom, we are boldly redefining the way hospitality is delivered throughout Saudi Arabia – bringing together multiple brands, mixing hotels with residences, introducing new food and drink concepts, partnering with acclaimed restaurateurs, and taking hotel-level experiences to new heights. Most importantly, we are leading the industry toward positive hospitality – supporting communities and our environmental and social commitments, in full alignment with the goals of Vision 2030.”

With a 30-year history of operating in the Kingdom, Accor ccontinues to play a key role in the development of tourism throughout Saudi Arabia, through its many existing and upcoming projects in key locations. Accor currently operates 42 properties (16,334 keys) in Saudi Arabia, with a pipeline of 56 properties (10,000+ keys) in development. The new multi-faceted projects will mix hotels with residences and local attractions, while adhering to Accor’s ethical, social, and governing principles that will contribute to a healthier environment and deliver value to its stakeholders, including guests and surrounding communities.

The Rua Al Madinah project, in Madinah, includes a 142-key Fairmont hotel and 120 Fairmont branded residences, in addition to a 466-key Swissôtel and a 328-key Novotel, all set to open over the next several years. In partnership with Rua Al Madinah (RAM) Holding Company, the project will add over 1.5 million square meters of space to the Al Masjid Al Nabawi, known as the Prophet's Mosque. The new properties will be divided among 10 districts and superblocks, featuring the latest technology and smart infrastructure to ensure the operational sustainability of the project and strengthen the position of Madinah as a prestigious religious destination.

Meanwhile, in the city of Riyadh, a new master planned development project will create a luxury hospitality community encompassing a 230-key Raffles hotel, a 250-key Sofitel Serviced Residence, and a 60-villa MGallery resort, all set to open by 2027. In partnership with Erth Real Estate Company, Accor will develop the multi-faceted community, which will also include office towers, residential towers, and retail & commercial space, all built around a centrally located garden area.

Finally, a recently signed master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality will see the development and franchising of 18 Accor hotels in multiple cities across Saudi Arabia, such as Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan, over the next ten years. Together, Accor and Amsa will develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets.

“Saudi Arabia presents a burgeoning hospitality sector which offers a host of opportunities to leverage Accor’s diverse ecosystem of hospitality brands, and we are confident the Group will double its presence in the Kingdom over the next five years,” said Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO and Premium, Midscale & Economy Division CEO. “While many of our luxury and lifestyle brands are already well-known throughout the Kingdom, we look forward to establishing a larger presence with our premium, midscale, and economy brands in the country’s fast-growing, second tier cities – particularly in up-and-coming neighborhoods where we can mix hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and entertainment experiences that are as compelling to locals as they are to travelers.”

Over the next year, Accor is expected to open the much-anticipated Raffles Jeddah, along with Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences Riyadh, Sofitel Riyadh, and Movenpick Waad Al Shamal-Turaif.

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IHG to open 12 ‘ Next Generation’ Holiday Inn Express hotels across Saudi Arabia under MDA with Tashyid for Hotel Operations

 IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels, across 18 distinct brands, has signed a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with Tashyid for Hotel Operations, which will see the development of 12 hotels and 2,500 keys under the Holiday Inn Express brand across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. . With Ministry of Tourism encouraging such investments in the Kingdom, the signing took place in the presence Mr. Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister for Destination Enablement.

The agreement will allow IHG to expand and diversify its mainstream offering across Saudi Arabia, in line with the demand being created by initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030.

As a world-renowned brand, Holiday Inn Express champions simple, smart travel by providing a launch pad for guests to make their connection and is highly suitable and well-positioned for new-age smart travellers visiting Saudi Arabia across business, leisure, and meetings segments, including Saudi’s biggest and growing demographic of millennials and Generation Z travellers.

As part of the agreement, IHG has also signed the first Holiday Inn Express hotel with Tashyid for Hotels Operations Limited which will debut the brand in Jeddah by June 2025. Marking a key milestone for the brand in the Kingdom, the 300-room hotel will be located on Al Madinah Road, one of the busiest areas in the city. Providing a best-in-class experience, guest rooms at Holiday Inn Express Jeddah will feature amenities such as high-speed WiFi, smart TVs, premium bedding, and pillow options to ensure guests have a restful stay. The hotel will also offer signature complimentary ‘Express Start Breakfast’, speedy check-in, and power showers to ensure guests are recharged for the day.

Known for its success in the upper-midscale segment and understanding of the ‘Next Gen Smart traveller’, Holiday Inn Express hotels in Saudi Arabia will debut reimagined public spaces and guest rooms that blend trendy and efficient design with local aesthetic. Modelled on market specific research focused on the Millennial and Gen Z Saudi traveller, the hotels will offer guest experience reflecting their lifestyle and needs. The public spaces will serve as lively and engaging spaces featuring a revamped F&B offering, while the guest rooms will offer a balance of home comforts with smart design giving guests flexibility to better support their routine. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: "As we continue to expand our presence and diversify our offering, in line with Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy, we are delighted to announce a partnership with Tashyid for Hotel Operations to further grow our Holiday Inn Express offering in the Kingdom for domestic and international travellers alike.

He added: Saudi Vision 2030 has created tremendous opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industry, and we see an increasing demand for our brands across segments. Holiday Inn Express is a great offering for smart travellers who seek a hassle free and efficient stay experience, and we are looking forward to providing this experience to guests across a country, in the coming years.

Falih Motasim Hajaj, Chief Executive Officer of Tashyid added: “ We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to enable our rapid expansion within Saudi Arabia, in line with Saudi’s Vision 2030. With the Kingdom marking its presence on a global tourism map, working with leading industry partners such as IHG is key to helping set new standards of hospitality, embrace innovation and ultimately achieve a diversified economy.”

Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s fastest growing brand with currently over 3000 operating hotels, globally.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 39 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and voco, with 30 hotels in the development pipeline set to open within the next three to five years.

Novotel, Mercure and Ibis will grow in Saudi Arabia, through a deal with Asma Hospitality

Accor has signed a deal with Amsa Hospitality in Saudi Arabia to develop and franchise 18 hotels over the next 10 years.

The deal was announced at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market and will see Amsa Hospitality develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living, as well as the recently launched Handwritten Collection. Asma will also act as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets. 

Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia, including Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan.

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Appointment | Saudi Arabia’s next female GM, and the other biggest hires of the week

In Saudi Arabia this week, Maria Bou Eid was announced GM of the House Hotel Jeddah CityYard, in doing so becoming one of the Kingdom’s few female general managers

. Other big hotel appointments this week span across multiple emirates and multiple departments. With a new leader in UAQ, up and comers in Dubai and department heads in Abu Dhabi.

New Opening | Radisson Hotel Group doubles its presence in Makkah,Saudi Arabia by adding nearly 1000 keys in Thakher Makkah

Radisson Hotel Group doubles its presence in Makkah, Saudi Arabia by adding nearly 1000 keys in Thakher Makkah

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of three hotels within the Thakher Makkah megaproject, an urban development in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Further strengthening its presence across two brands, the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher City Tower West, the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher City Tower East and the Radisson Hotel Makkah Thakher City are set to open in Q4 2022. The new signings will add a total of 992 rooms and apartments, doubling the Group’s portfolio in Makkah, a key target growth market in Saudi Arabia. Despite the challenges due to the pandemic, Radisson Hotel Group is continuing its strong expansion as one of the fastest growing companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer EMEA, Radisson Hotel Group, says: “We are delighted to announce this portfolio of three new hotels, as it not only accelerates our growing presence in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, but also reaffirms our commitment towards the country and its future. The Thakher Makkah megaproject is designed to attract millions of pilgrims every year and will positively contribute to the country’s ambitious plan that aims to host 30 million Umrah visitors, as well as, hosting 6 million Hajj pilgrims by the year 2030. We remain committed to the country’s Vision 2030 and their initiatives to significantly increase the contribution of leisure and business tourism to the country’s economy. We would like to thank our business partners for their trust in our brands and teams as we look forward to an exciting and rewarding journey.”

The city of Makkah, situated 70 km southeast of Jeddah, is known as the holiest city in Islam. The main sources of economic activity in Makkah are the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage, with millions flocking to Makkah each year for worship and devotion. Since the seventh century, Muslims all over the world have visited Mecca, the birthplace of Islam. It is a pilgrimage that marks their observance of one of the Five Pillars of Islam and the fulfillment of a once-in-a-lifetime ritual. Holy sites in the city include the sacred Ka’aba, located in the heart of the Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, or the historic Cave of Thawr.

Located within the Thakher Makkah megaproject, a mixed-use development comprising of hotels, residential and retail units, the hotels are just a stone’s throw away from the holy sites and offer a unique choice for travelers. Due to open in Q4 2022, the hotels will be another great addition to the existing portfolio across the Kingdom. 

Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Aboudi, CEO of Thakher Development Co., stressed that: “The keenness of international hotel companies to provide their services to the Thakher Makkah Project reflects the importance and value of the project as a prominent tourism destination in the Holy City. Such cooperation gives an indication that we are on the right path to providing new distinctive hospitality and housing options, which is in line with Vision 2030. We are excited to announce today the launch of further cooperation with Radisson Hotel Group, which we anticipate will be a fruitful endeavor.”

A combination of both hotel and residential options, the Radisson Hotel Makkah Thakher City will consist of 440 rooms and 206 branded residences, a lobby café, and all-day dining restaurant. For leisure and recreation, the hotel will feature separate ladies and male gym facilities, while the meeting and event spaces will include five meeting rooms as well as three conference rooms.

Known for its modern facilities and contemporary design, Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher City Tower West and Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher City Tower East will be great additions to the existing Park Inn portfolio in the region and are designed to facilitate the pilgrim travelers’ stay and experience in the Kingdom. With clever use of color, contemporary design, and friendly, personalized service, guests can relax while fully embracing their pilgrimage. 

Boasting 203 rooms, the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher City Tower West offers its guest a lobby cafe and all-day dining restaurant. The upcoming Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher City Tower East houses 143 rooms, a lobby lounge, and one restaurant. 

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ABOUT RADISSON 

 Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that offers Scandinavian-inspired hospitality, which enables guests to focus on a work/life balance and find harmony in their travel experience. With the nature-inspired design, and unexpected delights, Radisson inspires the art of being in the moment. Committed to building meaningful relationships with guests, Radisson has a Yes I Can! service attitude to ensure the satisfaction of every guest. Radisson hotels can be found in suburban and city settings, near airports and leisure destinations. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson by participating in Radisson Rewards, a global loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards. 

Radisson is part of Radisson Hotel Group, which also includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. 
 

For reservations and more information, visit our website. Or connect with Radisson on: 

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Hilton aims to nearly quadruple KSA hotel network by 2025

The Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Financial District is the latest opening in Saudi Arabia by the famous US hotelier, but the company has big plans in the pipeline for the Kingdom, including more than 40 new properties and the recruitment of thousands of Saudi professionals.

“Saudi Arabia is an important market for us,” Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, president of Hilton Middle East, Africa and Turkey, told Arab News. “We’re trying to expand all of our different brands as much as we can in the right cities.”

Hilton — which has a regional office in Jeddah — today has 18 brands across 119 countries, and more than 6,500 properties worldwide. The Middle East now has 61 Hilton hotels with 85 more in the pipeline, 41 of which will be in Saudi Arabia over the next three to four years.

“If I look at Saudi Arabia, at all the cities, every country should at least have a Hampton or Garden Inn,” Sleiffer said. “Mid-market hotels should be in every city in Saudi Arabia, and currently there is more demand for hotels than there is supply.”

The Waldorf Astoria, Hilton’s most luxurious brand, has operated in Jeddah for many years, alongside the likes of brands including Conrad, Hampton and DoubleTree. On deciding which brand to introduce in a given city, Sleiffer said that an analysis of the market and a future forecast is necessary to understand the demographics of potential guests.

Of the 41 pipeline projects, most will be “upscale,” like DoubleTree, while others will cater to the mid-market segment, like Garden Inn. “This is where the bulk is, the upscale and mid-market. Pre-pandemic, Saudi Arabia has had strong demand in the business segment and religious tourism, but now the leisure demand is much bigger,” he said.

With international travel having restarted in the Kingdom on May 17, Sleiffer said that people are desperate to travel again and go to places they have not been before, like Saudi Arabia.

“In the next two years, we expect to hire about 2,000 people. Over the next 10 years, 10,000 people — half of which will be Saudis. I want Saudis to run these hotels. We have training programs and we have a Hilton university which has more than 5,000 online training courses.”

The Hilton president said that according to figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council, one in 10 jobs are in hospitality and tourism, but added: “Saudi is low where that’s concerned, so we need to bring it up here as well. It will come up, I have no doubt — take Hilton Riyadh as an example, where 44 percent of current staff is Saudi.”

Demand is certainly there, as a survey in December commissioned by The Red Sea Development Co. found that about nine in 10 young Saudis surveyed said they would be keen to work in the tourism and hospitality sectors, compared to 77 percent who said they were interested in a job in petrochemicals.

When the pandemic hit more than a year ago, Hilton shifted its focus to three things: The safety of staff and customers, the community around hotels, and property.

This involved postponing investment deals to help preserve cash, adapting to safety protocols, and making layoffs where necessary. However, as vaccination rates picked up, Hilton has been begun rehiring at an accelerated rate, Sleiffer said.

“We put emphasis on the touchpoints in the room, the light switches, and the remote controls. We developed Hilton CleanStay and Hilton EventReady for meetings,” he added.

Mobile check-in and digital key — developed by Hilton before the pandemic — has been a significant feature that has decreased interactions between staff and customers, reducing the potential spread of coronavirus.

Sleiffer also hopes to expand the Hilton brand to the Kingdom’s megaprojects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project.

“There’s more coming,” he said, mentioning his excitement about the upcoming Formula One race in Jeddah in December this year, where Hilton is serving as the official sponsor of McLaren Racing.

Mandarin Oriental to debut in Saudi Arabia next year

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a management agreement with Al Khozama Company to handle operations of the Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh. Once rebranded and renovated, it will be the group’s first hotel in the Kingdom.

The group will take over management in Q1 2021 but will not reflag to Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh until the end of that year when refurbishments to guest rooms and public areas are complete.

“The Al Faisaliah Hotel has been a leading light in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector since opening its doors 20 years ago. We are pleased to be partnering with Mandarin Oriental to further develop the hotel and to create the most luxurious and sophisticated property in the region,” said Khalid Abuhaimed, CEO of Al Khozama.

“We are delighted to further strengthen Mandarin Oriental’s presence in the Middle East by introducing the brand to Saudi Arabia and bringing the Group’s legendary service to Riyadh,” said James Riley, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “We look forward to collaborating with the Al Khozama Company in transforming the hotel into the city’s most exclusive luxury property,” he added.

The hotel features 321 keys, with the new interiors being done by New York’s Adam Tihany Design. Once finished, the hotel will have ‘refreshed’ restaurants, lounge and bars, including a top floor venue giving views of the capital.

Mandarin Oriental has a compact presence in the Middle East, with the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Dubai and Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Both of which only came into the MO portfolio last year.

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$500m Saudi giga-project still on track for 2024 opening

Hospitality and property management firm Al Khozama Company has announced it’s the District Al Faisaliah development project has now entered its second phase of construction.

Estimated to cost SAR2 billion ($US533 million), District is expected to open in 2024. One of the Kingdom’s many new ‘giga-projects’, the development incorporates Al Faisaliah Tower, Al Khairiah Towers, Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Faisaliah Suites, Hotel Al Khozama and the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall in the Olaya District.

The first of the project was announced three years ago, where the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall was extended by 20 percent for a luxury retail space of 35,000 metres squared. The first phase also saw the introduction of restaurant brands such as Yauatcha, Meraki, Mamo Michelangelo, La Petite Maison and La Brasserie to the area. Now in the second phase, the District will work to integrate all of its retail, commercial, entertainment, hospitality, wellness and residential spaces. The popular Al Faisaliah Hotel is currently being renovated as part of the project’s development. Completion of the facelift is expected next year.

Another plan for the development’s second phase is the replacement of Hotel Al Khozama. One of the Kingdom’s oldest hotels – more than forty years old – the property will be replaced with a new hotel by 2024. The new property will boast 200 keys, two restaurants, MICE facilities, a spa and gym and a pool deck.

HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, chairman Al Khozama said: “The strategy followed by Al Khozama Company is aligned with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision in creating new benchmarks and opportunities for excellence, and contributing to the country’s long-term success. The District is one such example.”

Mr. Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, chief executive officer of Al Khozama Company added: “Under the leadership and direction of our chairman, we are proud to achieve significant success in hospitality, retail centres and F&B to create an unrivalled lifestyle and unique experience for the Saudi community and its guests.”

Radisson Hotel Group Expands Further In Riyadh

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of Radisson Riyadh Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As one of the fastest growing companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the newest addition brings the group’s portfolio to over 45 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development, accelerating Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion across the country.

Riyadh is the largest city and capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Khalid International Aiport is about 35 kilometers to the north of Riyadh city and home to Radisson’s newest hotel. As the economic and commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, the total number of passengers departing and arriving at King Khalid International Airport exceeded 26 million passengers in 2019. Located within close proximity, the hotel will be conveniently accessible from the airport and the city center can be reached via Riyadh’s new metro system, making it an ideal location for both business and leisure travellers

. The hotel will consist of 471 keys across various room types including serviced apartments and villas to be able to cater to guests that require larger units or long stay units. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant and two specialty restaurants

Hyatt Announces Plans for a 756 Room Grand Hyatt Branded Hotel in Makkah

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Umm Alqura for development and construction of a Grand Hyatt branded hotel in the Holy City of Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of Hyatt’s prime focus areas within the Middle East," said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa for Hyatt. “

Slated to open in January 2025, Grand Hyatt Makkah will be the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Makkah and the second Grand Hyatt hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, joining Grand Hyatt Al Khobar which is slated to open in 2020

It represents a prestigious addition to the King Abdul Aziz Road project, which will contribute to our goal of better serving the needs of visitors and residents in Makkah

“We are delighted to work with Umm Alqura to open the first Grand Hyatt hotel in the Holy City of Makkah,” said Peter Fulton, group president – Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Southwest Asia, Hyatt. “The Kingdom’s plan is to attract more than 30 million tourists by 2030 and we are proud to be able to contribute to this vision. Grand Hyatt Makkah is set to become a captivating destination of its own, welcoming both visitors and pilgrims to this important cultural and religious destination.”

Rendering of the Grand Hyatt Makkah Hote

Millennium Hotels opens new property in Saudi Arabia

Millennium Hotels and Resorts has furthered its expansion into Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new hotel in Madinah at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport.

Featuring 227 rooms, the Millennium Madinah Airport is designed to provide pilgrims and visitors a luxurious accommodation in the city.

Situated near the centre of Al Madinah al-Munawwarah,  Millennium Madinah Airport has also been designed for business with four distinguished meeting spaces hosting up to 75 guests.

Divided into categories such as Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Club Room and Executive Suite; the hotel features 227 rooms dressed in rich furnishings, warm colours and fitted with the latest amenities and technology.