Tag Archives: KSA

Blacklane has revealed expansion plans throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its growth strategy. This milestone marks the first phase of Blacklane’s expansion across the Kingdom, supported by TASARU Mobility Investments (“TASARU”), an investment entity wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (“PIF”). The expansion follows the momentum of Blacklane’s scale-up across Dubai and marks a considerable step in its continued growth across the Middle East. Blacklane now has operations in more than 50 countries. Addressing the increasing demand for luxury and sustainable mobility services in the region, Blacklane will offer premium vehicles, with plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) in a future phase to set a new benchmark for sustainable mobility across the Kingdom. Plus, Blacklane’s investment plans include the roll out of the Blacklane Chauffeur Academy providing professional training options to chauffeur partners in Saudi Arabia. First-class options available on the Blacklane platform will include Blacklane’s trademark black and white two-tone luxury vehicles. Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder, Blacklane, said: “Bringing our luxury chauffeur service to the Kingdom marks an exciting milestone in Blacklane’s global expansion. Saudi is a key destination for sophisticated travellers and residents alike, and we’re proud to introduce a new standard of reliable, high quality and seamless mobility to the region. We are dedicated to fostering local talent and supporting the continued growth of Saudi’s thriving economic diversification”. Michael Mueller, CEO of TASARU Mobility Investments, said: “TASARU’s investment in Blacklane marks a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to transform the mobility sector in Saudi Arabia. By introducing premium, sustainable chauffeur services and advanced training through the Chauffeur Academy, we’re actively contributing to Vision 2030’s objectives, including economic diversification, and local …

The Ministry of Tourism Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a new service that enables visitors to verify the license status of their chosen hotels and serviced apartments in Makkah and Madinah. The verification tool, now available on the ministry’s website www.mt.gov.sa, aims to ensure quality services and protect the rights of visitors. This step is part of the ministry’s ongoing campaign Our Guests Come First that seeks to enhance visitor experience and ensure that hospitality facilities comply with standards and licensing requirements. This service will empower visitors to make informed decisions when booking accommodation, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay. The ministry is also working to expand the service’s reach to a wider audience. The Ministry of Tourism continues to respond to inquiries and receive feedback regarding hospitality services. Visitors can contact the Unified Tourism Center at 930 or reach out through the ministry’s official social media channels.

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.