Hilton announces 35-strong pipeline
HILTON Hotels & Resorts has revealed that its largest development pipeline in the Middle East is in Saudi Arabia with 35 new hotels planned in the kingdom, which will add over 10,000 new rooms in the coming 3 to 5 years. The hotel chain is expanding its footprint throughout the region with the kingdom having the largest number of Hilton hotels in development, it was announced at the recent Saudi Hotel Investment Conference. Religious tourism makes up the bulk of Saudi Arabia's tourism with over two million visitors annually. Over the past three years, business tourism is growing at an increasing rate. The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia has grown at a much faster rate than the wider economy, according to reports by the Saudi Tourism Information and Research Centre. Radisson expands its portfolio RADISSON Hotel Group has announced the signing of two hotels in Saudi Arabia, taking up the group’s portfolio in the kingdom to 41 hotels and more than 10,000 rooms in operation and under development. The new properties, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Qurtuba and the Radisson Hotel, Qurayat –are scheduled to open in 2020. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Qurtuba will be part of the new upscale Al Jadah mixed-use development, conveniently located close to Riyadh’s city centre. The hotel will feature 103 rooms and suites, as well as 16 villas. The Radisson Hotel, Qurayat will have 137 rooms and suites and will be located in Al Jawf Province in northern Saudi Arabia and close to the border with Jordan. Sustainable tourism launched in Al Ula SAUDI ARABIA'S Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched a mega tourism project in Al Ula region of the kingdom, including a resort designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel and a nature reserve, both called Sharaan. Al Ula is home to spectacular sandstone rock formations and the archaeological site of Madain Saleh, the largest Nabatean settlement south of Petra that contains the ancient civilization’s rock tombs with their carved facades. The first-of-its-kind sustainable resort project is part of the kingdom's mega plan to transform the home of ancient civilizations into a destination for visitors from around the world. The resort is located in a valley deep inside the 925-sq-km Sharaan Nature Reserve, and will boast several key amenities include residential estates, a summit centre, a spa and restaurants. The full design work will be completed by the year-end and the construction will start early 2020 with a completion date of 2023. Both take their names Sharaan from the surrounding canyon with its ancient rock formations. The reserve will conserve and restore the region’s natural desert habitats, including the Arabian leopard, with the help of local rangers trained by international experts. Shaza Hotels debuts long-stay property SHAZA HOTELS, a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, has announced the opening of Shaza Hotel Residences, Riyadh. The property is the first for the brand in Riyadh and its third in KSA. It is also the first extended stay property to open for Shaza Hotels. Inspired by an Andalusian riad, Shaza Hotel Residences, Riyadh is beautifully landscaped to form a peaceful oasis next to the Al Rajhi Grand Mosque, conveniently located for business travellers and leisure guests. The 205 residences at Shaza Hotel Residences, Riyadh have been designed for the needs of long-stay guests, with walk-in wardrobes and kitchenettes. Adding a new dimension to the experience are the hotel’s bespoke services, restaurants and meeting spaces. Simon Coombs, president and CEO of Shaza Hotels, commented: "Opening of Shaza Hotel Residences, Riyadh marks a key milestone for Shaza Hotels. We are honoured to partner with Al Rajhi Investments for a second property, in opening their flagship hotel residences in Riyadh. In tune with the potential of Vision 2030, Shaza Hotels will strive to create distinctive hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”