Tourexpi
Signing this MoU
comes as part of the STA's ongoing commitment and efforts to forge strong
partnerships with key players in Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem, working
closely with these partners to promote destinations in the Kingdom and provide
inspiring tourism experiences. This most recent partnership also highlights
Hilton’s presence and growth in Saudi Arabia, where it currently operates 16
hotels – with another 51 in the pipeline and plans to grow its portfolio to
more 75 hotels in the coming years.
The MoU was signed at
Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Arabian Travel Market 2023 by Kamel Ajami, vice
president, operations, KSA, Egypt & Levant, Hilton, and Munirah
Abanomy, director general of marketing partnerships for
the Middle East and Africa, STA.
“We are very excited
to sign this agreement, which comes in alignment with Hilton’s longstanding
relationship with the Saudi Tourism Authority over the years and is a
reiteration of our commitment towards the tourism sector in the Kingdom,"
Ajami said. “Through this partnership, we aim to attract travellers from the
Middle East and Africa who are looking to explore the Kingdom’s diverse tourism
offerings while staying with a global hospitality brand they know and trust.”
“This Memorandum of
Understanding with global hospitality leader, Hilton, aligns with our strategy
to partner with key international brands and corporations that are working in
alignment with our vision, attracting new segments of regional tourists and
helping us achieve our 2030 objectives,” said Abdulkarim Al-Darwish, CEO of the
Middle East and African Markets, STA.
Hilton’s portfolio in
the Kingdom includes iconic properties such as the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr al
Sharq, Conrad Makkah, Jeddah Hilton and Hilton Riyadh Hotel &
Residences, with new brands making their country debut in the coming
years including LXR Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton.
Image Credit: © Hilton
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