Tag Archives: Saudi Arabia

Dusit Hotels and Resorts will showcase the much-anticipated first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh and September reopening of its iconic flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. Led by Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, Dusit’s team of corporate executives will present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio and its commitment to uniquely delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world. This legacy, pioneered 75 years ago this May by the company’s founder Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui with the opening of her first Bangkok hotel, continues to define the Dusit experience today. Beyond the company’s rich history, attendees can expect to learn more about a diverse range of participating properties, including established favourites such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Doha Hotel, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, and Dusit Thani Maldives, alongside a curated selection of luxury villas from Elite Havens. The spotlight will shine on last year’s international openings, including the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal. Last year’s openings in Dusit’s home base of Thailand will also be showcased, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18. Alongside these recent additions, Dusit will also reveal more about its expected 2024 openings, including up to …

Middle East region will become the tourism powerhouse by 2030 as the region will have almost half a million keys by 2030, shared Turab Saleem Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory – MENA Knight Frank At an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East at the Future Hospitality Summit in Saudi Arabia. “It started off with Dubai leading followed by Qatar, Abu Dhabi and now Saudi Arabia in terms of hotel rooms. Travellers will have more options to select from the whole of Arabia with the GCC countries which will have a total of one million keys by 2030, making it a tourism hub.” Currently there are 320,000 keys in the pipeline in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and if you take the whole region the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait will also have additional keys which will make the Middle East region as the powerhouse of tourism. With the ease of visa to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it has become a hub for international travel. The government has invested in infrastructure as well as talent, as they have partnered with various international universities to provide the education necessary to develop the talent of the industry.  Saleem further pointed out that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s main goal was to diversify the non-oil sector by 2030 to add 10% to the GDP, and they are in the right direction going towards the goal as already 4% has been added to GDP by the end of last year.

Speaking with TravelTV Middle East at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, Haitham Mattar – Managing Director MEA and South West Asia, IHG Hotels and Resorts shared that this week is among the busiest in Riyadh with World Economic Forum and Future Hospitality Summit taking place simultaneously in the city of Riyadh. He reiterated that the hotels are enjoying a great return as they are operating in full swing. IHG Hotels and Resorts is the largest hotel operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with many properties in Mecca, Madinah and Riyadh. Mattar reiterated that the government of Saudi Arabia’s flexibility in visa has created many visitors to explore the kingdom and the MICE and event sector has grown exponentially over the past few months. He reiterated that the city of Riyadh has seen multiple events over the past few months which has brought in visitors from across the globe. Their foot print has been growing right throughout the past few years and they will focus more in the Kingdom in bringing new brands to the kingdom and introducing their brands across the different cities.

Future Hospitality Summit kicks off today in Riyadh with TravTalk Middle East as media partner. The three day event from today until 1st May 2024 will witness a great line up of speakers who will share their key facts on tourism, development and infrastructure for tourism, how the sector can overcome potential challenges to ensure that the targets are met and some key trends in the region. Saudi Arabia has recently revised its annual tourism target to 150 million visitors a year by 2030, after achieving the original goal of 100 million seven years ahead of schedule, thanks to the country’s continued – and unprecedented – investment in infrastructure, tourism transformation, hospitality and real estate as part of Vision 2030. With a seemingly endless array of new hotels, resorts and tourist attractions being announced, breaking ground and opening for businesses in KSA, Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia will hone in on the future of successful hotel and destination development in the Kingdom as part of its three day, action packed agenda.  

Marriott International signed an agreement with NEOM to open its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in Trojena, a year-round mountain destination located in the northwest region of the country, the property will offer a complete escape into a private world of luxury. Designed for the most discerning travelers seeking a bespoke experience, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are tucked away in handpicked corners of the world. Highly personalized service is centered around human connection while the design is reflective of the vision, experiences, and natural environment of the destination, allowing for an immersive stay. Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International said, “Ritz-Carlton Reserve features a portfolio of exclusive properties that offer an intimate and transformative experience rooted in heartfelt care and human connection. Together with NEOM, we look forward to bringing this ultra-luxury experience to Trojena. This signing also marks an important addition to our portfolio in Saudi Arabia where we continue to see a strong demand for our luxury brands.” The resort is expected to feature 60 expansive one-to-four-bedroom villas. Plans also include a range of amenities including a lavish spa, swimming pools, and multiple culinary venues. Situated in a remote area of Trojena, the resort is expected to offer an idyllic escape complete with expansive views across the desert and mountain ranges of the destination. “Trojena is a rare destination, and we are delighted that Ritz-Carlton Reserve has hand-picked the mountains of NEOM for their next property. Together we will create an experience that can’t be recreated anywhere else. Our visitors and residents will experience a sanctuary that will capture the magic of Saudi Arabia, embracing ultimate luxury in an unforgettable location,” …

Since the launch of Saudi Green initiative in 2021, 77 initiatives, with an investment of over US$186 billion, have been activated to drive sustainable growth in line with Vision 2030.ESG is a key focus of the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, 29 April – 1 May, with TravTalkME as media partner and a range of panel debates, expert opinion and initiatives on how KSA’s hospitality and tourism industry of today can play a pivotal role in a sustainable tomorrow. The Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, focuses on combating climate change, improving quality of life and protecting the environment for future generations, all in support of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2060. “ESG plays such a critical role in the future of hospitality, which is why it’s at the forefront of the FHS programme again this year. It’s vital that we come together as an industry and engage in dialogue to drive sustainable development and investment, and integrate sustainable practices in our business strategies,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, The Bench, organisers of the Future Hospitality Summit. Ahead of FHS Saudi Arabia, key leaders in the country’s hospitality and tourism sector share insight on how the Kingdom aims to meet its ESG goals, and what their organisation is doing to play its part. With input from Qusai Al-Fakhri, Chief Executive Officer, TDF; Elie Milky, Vice President Business Development Middle East, Pakistan, Cyprus, and Greece, Radisson Hotel Group; Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO, Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA; Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer Middle East, Marriott …

The Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb minister added that Saudi Arabia successfully welcomed over 27 million international tourists in 2023, highlighting ongoing efforts to develop plans and strategies to host more than 70 million international tourists by 2030. Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, led the Saudi delegation participating in the UN General Assembly Sustainability Week held at the UN headquarters in New York City. UNGA President Dennis Francis and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili attended the event. According to SPA, during the opening session, the minister highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts over the past two years, serving as the Chair of the Executive Council of the UNWTO, to enhance the representation of the travel and tourism sector in international forums. Al-Khateeb also indicated that this support has contributed to launching initiatives in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, such as the Best Tourism Villages award, the Tourism Open Minds initiative, and the formation of a team to redesign the future of tourism. Moreover, he noted that Saudi Arabia’s efforts have led to the inclusion of the tourism sector in the agenda of the UNGA Sustainability Week. He emphasized that under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has become one of the most promising and attractive tourist destinations globally. He noted that the Kingdom topped the UNWTO’s list of major tourist destinations in terms …

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is hosting a three-day Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah starting April 22nd. The forum will bring together government officials, travel agencies, pilgrimage companies, and businesses from various sectors like healthcare, transportation, and technology. This prestigious event, held under the patronage of the Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan Al Saud, will take place at the King Salman International Convention Center. The forum is a key part of Saudi Vision 2030, showcasing the country’s commitment to improving the experience of Muslim pilgrims (Umrah performers) and visitors (Ziyarah) coming from all over the world. Attendees can expect lively discussions about new ideas and projects to enhance the pilgrimage journey. There will also be an exhibition featuring innovative products and services from participating companies. The Ministry itself is expected to unveil exciting new initiatives and partnerships designed to revolutionize travel to Makkah, Madinah, and other important religious sites. This isn’t just a local event – it’s a global one! The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to making the pilgrimage a truly enriching and unforgettable experience, aligned with the goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030. Organizers aim to create a welcoming and spiritually uplifting experience that meets the highest international standards. The forum will be a meeting point for decision-makers, industry experts, and investors, fostering collaboration between local and international organizations. To learn more about the forum, including the agenda and how to participate, visit umrah-ziyarah.com

Saudi Arabia has made unprecedented strides in its tourism sector, setting a remarkable milestone with total spending by inbound visitors reaching 135 billion riyals in 2023. Inbound visitors spending in 2023 reached 135 billion SAR, marking the Kingdom’s highest ever spending by inbound visitors with a growth of 42.8% compared to inbound visitors spending in 2022. Furthermore, data from SAMA showed that in 2023, the Kingdom achieved a surplus of 48 billion riyals in travel account, reflecting a growth rate of nearly 38% compared to the surplus recorded in 2022. The notable surge in spending by inbound visitors is part of the successive achievements in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Particularly noteworthy is Saudi Arabia’s leadership position on the UN Tourism’s list of large tourist destinations, showcasing significant growth in the number of international visitors in 2023 compared to 2019. As highlighted in the UN Tourism Barometer report released in January 2024, the Kingdom witnessed a remarkable 56% increase in inbound visitors in 2023 compared to 2019. Furthermore, there was a noteworthy recovery of 156% in the number of inbound visitors in 2023 compared to 2019, indicating a robust resurgence in the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has garnered widespread international recognition from the UN Tourism and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for surpassing 100 million inbound and domestic tourists in 2023. Both organizations have praised the significant efforts undertaken in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Rotana announced the soft opening of Dar Rayhaan by Rotana, Al Khobar, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The opening is in line with Rotana’s ambitious goal of launching eight properties in the Kingdom over the next four years, bringing the total key count to 4,400 across 16 properties. The new property also increases Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts’ key count to 2,080 keys currently in operation across six hotels – a significant milestone for Rotana’s modern-design hospitality brand. Commenting on the announcement, Philip Barnes, Rotana CEO, said: “The Kingdom’s emphasis on diversifying its economy and welcoming tourism has generated extensive opportunities for growth and development. The inauguration of Dar Rayhaan by Rotana in Al Khobar marks a significant milestone and holds a crucial role in supporting the Kingdom’s growth strategy. The four-star property caters to the evolving travel preferences of our guests within this important market segment, reinforcing our dedication to delivering ‘Treasured Time’ for all. As we continue with our expansion strategy, we are thrilled about the prospect of enhancing our array of offerings in the Kingdom and contributing to the development of this dynamic market.” Located only 30 minutes from King Fahd International Airport, Dar Rayhaan by Rotana offers 133 keys, including 113 rooms and 20 suites, each meticulously crafted for the utmost convenience. Equipped with modern fittings and furnishings, each room affords guests beautiful views of the city. The property offers a range of versatile recreational amenities, including a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, complimentary private parking, and a 24-hour gymnasium. The hotel also boasts three well-appointed meeting rooms, each equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology. Catering to business travellers, one meeting room also has a spacious pre-function area …