Tag Archives: KSA

Makkah Hotel and Towers was recognised as the ‘Best 5 Star Hotel KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. Makkah Hotel and Towers is the closest hotel to holy Haram situated in prime central location in Makkah right a few steps away from the Holy Mosque. The Makkah Millennium Towers offers a prime location over the Haram piazza in front of King Fahd gate with unique features, including rooms and suites with stunning views, a wide variety of culinary options, and a shopping mall.

Al Naboodah Travel was honoured with the title ‘Fastest Growing Travel Agency, KSA’at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “It is a wonderful experience. It is a moment of pride and recognition for all those who have worked hard, who have worked smartly, who have performed well. And I think this recognition will add a lot of value, confidence, and inspiration for all of us to do even better and better for the coming years. I am overexcited, and I am looking forward to winning more than three awards next year.”- Nasir Jamal Khan, CEO, Al Naboodah Travel & Tourism Agencies

Millennium Hail won the title of ‘Best Business Hotel – KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Arabian Travel Awards 2024 is a tremendous honour that validates our commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and setting new standards in the hospitality industry. This prestigious recognition highlights our dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences and redefining hospitality standards.”-Marc Sawaya, Cluster Commercial Director, Millennium Hotels and Resorts

Discover Saudi has been appointed the first DMC from KSA to become a valued member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the global community and knowledge hub for the international association and governmental meetings industry. The move will enable Discover Saudi to leverage its status as the Kingdom’s Destination Management Company (DMC) of choice and further enhance Saudi Arabia’s thriving MICE sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. As a member of the International Congress and Convention Association, Discover Saudi will gain access to a global network of event organisers, enabling them to boost KSA’s flourishing convention and congress industry. Discover Saudi will also leverage Almosafer’s digitally advanced and integrated platforms to further engage ICCA’s extensive network of partners and collaborators to provide various opportunities for travel and tourism services. The membership will help amplify Discover Saudi’s leading position as a DMC and promote the Kingdom as the destination of choice for MICE tourism. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA said about the partnership; “We are delighted to welcome Discover Saudi (part of Almosafer) as the newest member of ICCA in Saudi Arabia. Their commitment to enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a premier business events destination aligns perfectly with ICCA’s vision of fostering global collaboration and industry growth. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its MICE sector, we look forward to supporting Discover Saudi in leveraging ICCA’s global network, resources, and expertise to drive impactful and sustainable business events.” Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, addressing the significance of this partnership, stated; “With our membership in ICCA we aim to redefine the landscape of interconnected businesses through collaboration and innovation, to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s ever-growing conferences and conventions sector. Supporting Saudi Arabia’s …

VFS Global won ‘Best Visa outsourcing company – KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “On behalf of VFS Global I would like to thank Arabian Travel Awards for this honour. Being named the Best Visa Outsourcing Partner in KSA not only applauds our achievements so far, but also encourages us to keep putting our best foot forward every day while serving our applicants and clients alike. We will continue to innovate and offer best-in-class services through our operations.” Sumanth Kapoor, Business Head – KSA and Bahrain, VFS Global

Hyatt announced a management agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in AlUla, Hyatt Place AlUla. Expected to open by end of 2025, the hotel will add a total of 215 keys to the Hyatt room portfolio in Saudi Arabia and provide a new destination of choice for World of Hyatt members and guests visiting the region. The planned introduction of Hyatt Place AlUla is part of broader efforts by Hyatt to showcase rich heritage and unique landscapes to international visitors. “We look forward to adding Hyatt Place AlUla to our growing portfolio of properties in the region,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “This significant project underscores our commitment to expanding our brand presence in key leisure and business markets. We are thrilled that this upcoming hotel will provide more choice to our World of Hyatt members looking to explore the culture and beauty of AlUla.” Hyatt Place AlUla will include 215 modern styled guestrooms, two food and beverage outlets, meeting space, a pool, and a fitness center, ensuring comfortable stays regardless of the travel occasion. Whether traveling for work or to explore AlUla, a rising cultural destination, the new hotel will seamlessly blend functionality with its renowned charm, providing a local home-base for guests and members. Once operational, the property will participate in World of Hyatt, the industry’s fastest growing loyalty program, that offers approximately 51 million members a variety of valuable benefits around the globe, such as member-only offers, room upgrades, free nights, late checkout, and more. Abeer AlAkel, CEO of Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU), said, “The agreement with Hyatt advances RCU’s regeneration of AlUla …

Marriott International signed an agreement with Al Qimmah Hospitality Company and Amwaj Real Estate Company to open a 2,179-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in 2026, the Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem would become the brand’s largest hotel in the world, providing exceptional hospitality, modern comfort and unparalleled convenience for visitors and pilgrims alike. Dr. Abdul Razzaq BinDawood, Chairman of Al Qimmah commented, “The signing of the agreement reflects the the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework which aims to position the country as a global hub for religious and cultural tourism and continues to promote cultured real estate development. We are constructing high-quality towers within the Al Naseem District, as part of our ongoing commitment to serve guests and travelers to the Holy Mosque. This will be one of our largest developments to date and continuation of our strategic collaboration with Marriott International.” “We are pleased to build on our relationship with Al Qimmah Hospitality and BinDawood Trading with this landmark agreement to open the world’s largest Courtyard by Marriott in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “This agreement underscores Marriott International’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector and reinforces the continued demand we are seeing for our portfolio of brands in the Holy City of Makkah.” The Courtyard by Marriott brand has the largest global footprint among Marriott’s portfolio of over 30 brands, focusing on thoughtful, sophisticated design elements and amenities, providing travelers with an elevated experience to relax and recharge. Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem is anticipated to comprise 2,179 thoughtfully designed guestrooms …

Grand Millennium Gizan won the title of ‘Best business and leisure hotel, KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. One of the premier luxury 5 Star Hotel in Gizan, it is the most preferred hotel for leisure and business traveller conveniently located in the South of KSA within Gizan University complex, just 20 minutes away from Gizan International Airport. The award was received by Marc Sawaya, Cluster Commercial Director, Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Houssam Chaouachi, Senior Sales Manager, Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

Almosafer’s latest travel trend report reveals a robust 44% growth in domestic bookings in 2024, marking a significant contribution (over 40%) to the overall travel landscape in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s rapidly growing and evolving tourism offerings continue to shape domestic travel behavior, and with an expanding range of destinations, unique accommodations, and diverse experiences, travellers are motivated to explore their country for leisure. Family and group bookings have emerged as a key growth driver of domestic tourism, with over 70% growth across these traveller segments. Travel groups are increasingly choosing destinations that offer event-based and experience-rich travel opportunities. While iconic cities such as Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Madinah remain central to travel plans, emerging destinations are becoming increasingly popular. Abha’s cool climate and mountain views, Al Jubail’s pristine beaches, Jizan’s coastal charm, Tabuk’s dramatic natural landscapes, and Hail’s adventurous desert terrain are rapidly gaining traction. These rising hotspots reflect the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, opening up exciting opportunities for leisure travellers. The report further highlights a significant shift in traveller preferences regarding accommodation. While luxury stays dominate, with 36% of room nights booked in 5-star accommodations. Simultaneously, budget-friendly stays in 3-star and below properties have significantly increased, representing 35% of all booked room nights. Notably, this segment has witnessed a remarkable 100% growth in volume for families and groups, reflecting a rising trend of value-conscious group travel. Alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals and hotel apartments have also gained popularity, offering flexibility and affordability. Family bookings in these accommodations surged by 90% and group bookings grew by 60%, as alternative accommodations have become more widely available throughout the Kingdom and travellers opt for convenient stays, …

Amsa Hospitality Academy announced a new partnership with King Khalid University for the launch of a joint training program. Launched in November, an inaugural cohort of 20 university graduates has begun vocational training at the soon-to-open Mercure Khamis Mushait, the first internationally branded hotel in the Aseer Province city of Khamis Mushait. The agreement, signed by Dr. Reham Mashat, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at King Khalid University, and Mohammad Mandili, Chief People Officer at Amsa Hospitality, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between academia and the private industry. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing graduates with hands-on experience. Amsa Hospitality Academy, the vocational training arm of the eponymous Riyadh-based hospitality company, made its debut earlier this year. It was developed in partnership with Luxury Hotelschool Paris, a globally recognized institution known for its pedagogical excellence and collaborations with leading hotel brands. The training materials, certified and reviewed by Luxury Hotelschool Paris, help aspiring Saudi hoteliers develop the skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry. Muin Serhan, Chief Executive Officer of Amsa Hospitality, commented, “We are delighted to pilot our training program with such a prestigious institution as King Khalid University. This partnership demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work together to nurture Saudi talent and contribute to the goals of Vision 2030.” Through its collaborations with various institutions, Amsa Hospitality Academy aims to train over 400 individuals by the summer of 2025.