Tourexpi
Quadrupling of Saudi Arabia portfolio will create
almost 10,000 jobs at Hilton w.hich was recently named #1 World’s Best Workplace by Fortune magazine
and Great Place to Work.
Hilton is re-affirming its commitment to growth in
Saudi Arabia during a visit led by President & CEO Chris Nassetta as the
global hospitality company plans to quadruple its presence and open more than
60 new hotels across the Kingdom in the coming years. Hilton will be
introducing more of its award-winning brands in new tourism destinations and
large-scale developments, as well as major cities and regional locations across
the country.
While in the Kingdom, Hilton’s President & CEO
Chris Nassetta visited the Ministry of Tourism to further discuss
Hilton’s growth
plans across the Kingdom.
H.E. Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said, “This
significant expansion underscores our dedication to enhancing Saudi Arabia's
tourism infrastructure, positioning the Kingdom as a prime opportunity for
global investors. In line with our Vision 2030 objectives, we are aiming to
increase hotel rooms to 550,000 by 2030, showcasing the vast opportunities for
private sector investment in our tourism recovery efforts. Our collaborative
efforts with leading international brands, including Hilton, highlight our commitment
to developing a world-class tourism sector. By focusing on enriching our
hospitality offerings, as well as activities and entertainment options, we are
catering to the growing number of visitors attracted by our sporting events,
giga-projects, and cultural and religious sites. Our goal is to welcome 150
million tourists by 2030 and increase tourism's contribution to our GDP by
10%."
Chris Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton said,
“It’s great to be back in Saudi Arabia and experience the incredible progress
made in developing the country’s tourism infrastructure. Hilton has operated in
the Kingdom for almost 30 years and forged strong relationships that allow us
to continue driving our expansion plans into even more destinations. We now
have two-thirds of our pipeline under construction and we are working to
quadruple our portfolio across the Kingdom – which is a true testament to the
remarkable development vision led by the Kingdom’s leaders and our valued owner
partners. I am thrilled that Hilton is playing a role in contributing to this
inspiring future.”
The Ministry of Tourism is spearheading the
Kingdom's transformation into a premier global tourism destination, underscored
by substantial investments and strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the
sector. With an investment of over $800 billion to transform the tourism
landscape, the Kingdom is launching programs to attract foreign investment,
enhancing industry standards and increasing job opportunities. These efforts
make Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for international tourists and provide
a lucrative opportunity for investors and partners, like Hilton, to benefit
from the Kingdom's burgeoning tourism sector.
“We take pride in being the No.1 World’s Best
Workplace and we remain committed to building a strong culture for Hilton team
members throughout the Kingdom as our pipeline will create almost 10,000 jobs
with more than half of our new hires to be Saudi nationals. We continue to work
to create a purpose-driven workplace, partnering with academic institutions to
provide the training and tools required to support and empower people across
Saudi Arabia to pursue life-long, fulfilling careers in hospitality,” said
Nassetta.
Working closely with owners and partners to develop
leading destinations for business and leisure travellers, Hilton continues to
enhance its network across the Kingdom. This includes a first-of-its-kind trio
signing with Dan Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), to
launch three properties in Al Ahsa – an eco-resort, an agri-resort, and an
adventure resort. Hilton is also opening hotels elsewhere, including the first
Hampton by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton branded locations, and the
second Hilton hotel in Riyadh:
The Hotel Galleria Jeddah, Curio Collection by
Hilton
Hilton debuted Curio Collection in Saudi Arabia
during a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of The Hotel Galleria
Jeddah, Curio Collection by Hilton, in the presence of President & CEO
Chris Nassetta, representatives of SEDCO Holding, and esteemed partners and
guests.
Inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuale II in
Milan, the lifestyle property offers guests 363 stylish rooms and suites,
bespoke amenities and world-class dining in the heart of vibrant Prince Mohamed
bin Abdul-Aziz Street, Jeddah. With spa facilities and diverse retail
offerings, the hotel will elevate the guest experience with a focus on leisure
and recreation.
Hampton by Hilton Sharma
While in Saudi Arabia, Chris Nassetta visited
Hampton by Hilton Sharma to celebrate the hotel’s upcoming opening. The
property is set to debut as the first Hampton by Hilton in Saudi Arabia, in
partnership with Cayan Group. The 201-guest room property aims to deliver a
seamless stay experience, providing guests with thoughtfully designed rooms,
reliable service, and enhanced comfort. It is located within 20 minutes of NEOM
Bay Airport and two hours from the main regional airport in Tabuk.
Hilton Riyadh Olaya
With towering views over the capital, Hilton Riyadh
Olaya will provide guests with 239 contemporary guest rooms and suites,
including sophisticated residential suites equipped with fully functional
kitchens and appliances. Expected to open in March 2024, the hotel will feature
diverse dining options and a range of amenities, including a spa, an indoor
pool, and a fitness centre.
Additional Development Activity
In 2022, Hilton signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Tourism Development Fund to lend its knowledge and
expertise towards the creation of family-friendly leisure destinations across
several Saudi locations. These destinations will feature brands including
Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, and Motto by Hilton.
Additionally, Hilton proudly announced the signing
of Waldorf Astoria Diriyah Gate which joins Wadi Hanifah, LXR Hotels &
Resorts – also under development at the giga-project. Other exciting hotels
under development in Saudi Arabia include Conrad Riyadh Laysen Valley, Canopy
by Hilton Porta Jeddah, and Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton
The Point in Abha.
Hilton currently operates 18 hotels in Saudi
Arabia, including Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq, Conrad Makkah, and
Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences. Its development pipeline of more than 60
properties includes the introduction of additional new brands like LXR Hotels
& Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, and Embassy Suites by Hilton in the coming
years.
Globally, Hilton now has more rooms under
construction than any other hotel company, with approximately one in every five
hotel rooms under construction worldwide slated to join Hilton’s portfolio. The
company continued to strengthen its global development pipeline in 2023 with
record signings of nearly 1,000 hotels representing 130,000 rooms, up 45% from
the prior year. Hilton’s pipeline is now the largest in its history with nearly
3,300 hotels in development, which would increase its worldwide portfolio by
nearly 50% upon completion.
Image
Credit: © Hilton Hotels
The most interesting news
European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 competition now open for applications!
The European Commission has launched the 2025 edition of the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition, inviting tourism destinations across Europe to showcase their innovative sustainable tourism practices.
Four Seasons Resort Maui Announces Diverse New Sommer Experiences In 2024
From private wellness experiences at sea to complimentary kids and family activities designed to connect guests to the destination and each other, the luxury beachfront Resort is more ready than ever to welcome summer travelers.
Wego and Tourism Authority of Thailand Partner for The Fourth Consecutive Year
Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing the unparalleled beauty
CLIA Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award Winners
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the 2024 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award winners.
Lufthansa City Airlines starts ticket sales in April and flight operations in June
Flights bookable from April 24, 2024.
Venice introduces entrance fee for touristic old city
Some 7,000 tourists paid $5.35 to visit city on first day of test regulation
Hyatt Reveals Survey Findings on the Hotel Stay Needs of Neurodivergent Travelers
Hyatt collaborates with KultureCity for a survey of more than 1,000 neurodivergent individuals and caregivers to drive research-supported action.
Jean-Michel Jarre is world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar
Godfather of electronic music and innovator Jean-Michel Jarre becomes world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar in preparation for Starmus Opening Concert also Featuring Sir Brian May of Queen.
Marriott International to Bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Trojena, the Mountains of NEOM
Marriott International, Inc. announced it has 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
Colorful Guizhou visiting France
The wonders of Southwest China's Guizhou province are being shared with the people of Paris, France until April 26 at the Mountain Park Province Colorful Guizhou Wind event.
Danish cyclist Andresen wins stage 5 of Tour of Türkiye
Tobias Lund Andresen retains general classification with a time of 18 hours, 51 minutes, and 57 seconds
Oceania Cruises Debuts New Mediterranean Sailings for 2025
New sailings highlight European cities, holiday islands and lesser-known ports.
UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague to Drive Innovation in Hospitality
UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague, have agreed to partner around the development and execution of pioneering projects in the hospitality industry.
Princess Cruises and Fincantieri Announce to Postpone Delivery of Star Princess
Princess Cruises and ship builder Fincantieri today announced the mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the next Sphere Class ship, Star Princess.
The Bentley Hotel Southampton Expected to Join JdV by Hyatt Brand in mid-2024
The all-suite retreat located at the gateway of the Hamptons is now available via Hyatt.com and is expected to join the JdV by Hyatt brand in mid-2024 following renovation completion.
TUI Musement powering loveholidays Tours & Activities offering
New Offering: Thousands of excursions, activities and attraction tickets now directly available to loveholidays customers.
Marriott International Celebrates Milestone on Journey Towards Net-Zero
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) has verified its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
'Nature Positive' Report Marks New Collaborative Era in Travel & Tourism
WTTC, UN Tourism and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces to support Nature Positive Tourism.
Istanbul sees 27,1M passengers flying from 2 airports in Q1 of 2024
Number of passengers hosted in Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gokcen Airport soars 13% in January-March.
First brand-new Condor A320neo arrives in Frankfurt
Welcome D-ANCZ: The first brand-new A320neo aircraft is expected to arrive in Frankfurt at around 4 p.m. today.
Six Senses Kyoto Debuts in Japan, Taking Guests on a Sensory Journey of Reconnection
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the brand’s entry into Japan and an exciting new addition to its flourishing urban collection.