Tag Archives: KSA

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.

marhaba has seen the biggest, 65% growth in passengers travelling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, demonstrating a solid demand from business travellers this year. marhaba is gearing up to assist a record 500,000 travellers at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports this festive season, offering a range of convenient services to ease their journeys*. Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations, said: “As more travellers head home or embark on holiday trips this festive season, demand for seamless airport services continues to rise. Whether reuniting with loved ones or heading off on new adventures, our marhaba team is here to make every journey smoother and more enjoyable with our range of personalised services. Our helpful agents look forward to contributing to a memorable experience for both leisure and business travellers, at every stage of their journey.” In 2024, marhaba has experienced a significant surge in demand for its premium airport hospitality services, with passengers from the UAE, UK, India and USA leading the way in enhancing their airport journeys. Key highlights include a 43% increase in USA passengers choosing marhaba’s Meet & Greet, Lounge, and Chauffeur Services, reflecting a growing preference for convenience among long-haul travellers who prioritise time and comfort. marhaba’s personalised approach to hospitality also continues to resonate with elderly passengers and families, particularly among UAE customers travelling in large groups. marhaba’s services are often booked by relatives eager to provide their loved ones with a smooth airport experience. Key markets for such bookings include India with over 20,000 passengers taking advantage of marhaba’s services every month. marhaba’s services are designed to offer maximum convenience …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a new property, Ramada by Wyndham Mekkah Al Jumaizah, expanding its portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s key city. This new property will add to Wyndham’s growing presence in Mekkah and will be the brand’s third property in the Holy City, furthering its mission to offer accessible and welcoming hospitality in key locations. Revealed at the recent CityScape Global event in Riyadh, KSA, the Ramada by Wyndham Mekkah Al Jumaizah will be situated in the prominent Ma’abada neighborhood along Al-Masjid Al-Haram Street, a short two kilometers from the Masjid Al Haram, Islam’s holiest site. This strategic location will allow guests easy access to the Holy Mosque, making it an ideal choice for religious travellers. Expected to open by January 2026, the 4-star property will feature 347 well-appointed guest rooms created according to Ramada’s new design guidelines. Dining options will include an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a lobby café, providing guests with a range of culinary experiences. The hotel will also offer modern accommodations for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and contemporary amenities. “Our expansion in Mekkah with the signing of Ramada by Wyndham Mekkah Al Jumaizah reflects Wyndham’s commitment to catering to the needs of travellers in the Holy City. This new hotel underscores our aim to enhance the midscale segment in the region, providing quality stays that balance comfort and accessibility.” – Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director for Türkiye, Middle East & Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts “The addition of Ramada by Wyndham Mekkah Al Jumaizah marks a significant expansion of Wyndham’s presence in the Holy City of Mekkah. Developed in partnership with Al Mutmayzah Brothers Maintenance and …

Rotana announced plans to open Bloom Arjaan by Rotana on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, and Yasmina Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in 2025. The latter will contribute to Rotana’s goal of tripling its current key count in the Kingdom to 6,000 over the next three years. In addition, work is also underway on another six Edge by Rotana properties in the MENAT region. Launched as a new brand in 2022, Rotana currently operates seven Edge by Rotana properties in the UAE and KSA, with plans on track to reach a target of operating 30 Edge by Rotana properties across the region by 2027. Rotana unveils its ambitious regional and international expansion plans at the World Travel Market (WTM) London. Driving the group’s global expansion is the development of 43 new properties in 24 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Türkiye. The new properties will add 9,049 rooms to Rotana’s inventory, taking its total keys to 30,301 globally. Commenting on Rotana’s expansion plans, Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, said: “Rotana’s ambitious development plans underscore our commitment to expediting growth in the sector and developing offerings to suit ever-changing customer demand. Drawing on our rich heritage, we look forward to welcoming more guests to Rotana properties across the globe soon to experience our signature hospitality offering and enjoy moments of treasured times.”  

Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia shared that travel account estimates about SAR 92.6 billion inbound visitors spending in the first half of 2024 based on balance of payments. Saudi Arabia achieved an 8.2% growth in inbound visitor spending in the travel account during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching around SAR 92.6 billion, the Kingdom has also recorded a surplus in the travel account of around SAR 41.6 billion. The growth in spending by inbound visitors to Saudi Arabia reflects the significant progress made by the tourism sector, as Saudi Arabia led G20 countries in international tourist arrivals and in international tourism receipts growth rate in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, according to UN Tourism. In addition, the data highlights the success of the Tourism Ecosystem in elevating the sector to global leadership. This achievement is attributed to adopting best practices in tourism development, enhancing tourism-related services and products, and collaborating with government entities to promote the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. This achievement underlines the efforts made by the Tourism Ecosystem in elevating the tourism sector to global leadership and increasing its contribution to the Kingdom’s economic growth.

Malaysia Airlines has appointed Almosafer as its exclusive general sales agent (GSA) for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership reaffirms Malaysia Airlines’ expanding presence in the region and strengthens its role in supporting the growing travel demand between the two nations. Through this collaboration, Almosafer will lead all sales and ticketing operations for Malaysia Airlines in Saudi Arabia, leveraging its on-ground expertise and unparalleled digital reach. The partnership will enhance connectivity for travellers, allowing them access to Malaysia Airlines’ world-class services and extensive flight network. In addition to sales, Malaysia Airlines will benefit from Almosafer’s comprehensive offerings, including its destination management company, Discover Saudi, and its Hajj and Umrah tour Operator, Mawasim, alongside Almosafer Business. This partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to welcome 150 million visitors by the end of the decade, including the recent launch of enhanced Umrah+ packages tailored for Malaysian pilgrims. Almosafer’s role in advancing this vision, coupled with Malaysia Airlines’ premium travel experiences, promises to create a seamless journey for both inbound and outbound travellers. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines Business from MAG, said: “Malaysia Airlines looks forward to a fruitful partnership with Almosafer as we embark on a journey to strengthen our presence in Saudi Arabia and serve travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond. By leveraging Almosafer’s local expertise and rich legacy, we are confident that this partnership will enhance the travel experience for Saudi passengers. Our extensive connectivity and premium onboard services will open new opportunities and expand our reach to a broader audience.” Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer, said: “At Almosafer, we constantly strive to offer best-in-class services to our valued customers through strategic …

Equinox Hotels announce plans for the opening of Equinox Resort Treyam, one of Magna’s twelve destinations, located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Magna’s destinations, including Treyam, are part of NEOM, the evolving regional development, taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia. Promising an unrivaled hospitality experience in one of the world’s most stunning and undiscovered locations, Equinox Resort Treyam brings Equinox Hotels’ high-performance lifestyle to a majestic destination between the mountains and the sea. Equinox Hotels CEO, Christopher Norton said “As a region, NEOM embodies the future of luxury hospitality, and Equinox Hotels is thrilled to create an unparalleled resort experience within this visionary destination. Our partnership with NEOM highlights a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and redefining the boundaries of hospitality. Located between THE LINE and the southernmost point of the Gulf of Aqaba, our resort will serve as the model for transformative luxury, activating the entire destination with experiences that only Equinox Hotels can offer.” Nestled amidst exquisite landscapes and crystal-clear waters, the resort is an architectural marvel, spanning a 450-meter-long bridge-like structure, gracefully floating 40 meters above a serene lagoon. Jeremy Lester, Magna Executive Director, said, “NEOM has always been about pioneering the extraordinary, and our partnership with Equinox Hotels underscores this commitment. Equinox Resort Treyam embodies the convergence of innovation and luxury, and this partnership will redefine sustainable hospitality with a focus on truly immersive experiences and active lifestyles. I’m proud to champion this collaboration, one that will see us shape the future of luxury hospitality.” Focused on high-performance living, Equinox Resort Treyam will include spacious guest rooms and suites, a 450-meter pool, world-class culinary concepts, a Club House, a highly acclaimed spa, longevity, …

BWH Hotels (BWH) announces plans for significant growth of its portfolio in the Middle East  in 2024 and beyond. BWH executed signings of brand-new management deals in Saudi Arabia, BWH will soon bring eight new hotels and one new branded residence in the region into its portfolio of brands, with other development prospects in the works. BWH is demonstrating its commitment to growth in the Middle East with these new signings and associated management agreements. The new additions will feature its “core” brands as well as several boutique and extended stay brands.   The new hotel signings include: o Best Western® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms) o Best Western Plus® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms) o Best Western Premier® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms) o BW Signature Collection® Jeddah (48 rooms) o Best Western Makarim Palace Rabigh (91 rooms) o Shades, Aiden® by Best Western (120 rooms) o Executive Residency by Best Western®, Al Shafa Hotel Jeddah (200 rooms) o Best Western Kindah Hotel Makkah (420 rooms) o Best Western Plus Madinah Hotel (560 rooms) The Executive Residency by Best Western, Al Shafa Hotel Jeddah, the Best Western Kindah Hotel Makkah, and the Best Western Plus Madinah Hotel reflect significant milestones for the brand as they will be directly managed by BWH. “As tourism continues to gain momentum in this region, our team is taking notice,” said Wytze Van den Berg, Vice President of International Operations EMEA at BWH. “It is important for us to grow all aspects of the brand across chain scales, from value-driven offerings and boutique options to WorldHotels’ upper upscale selections. These announcements are also exciting as BWH Hotels is pleased to be directly …