IHG to add 10,000 rooms to Saudi portfolio by 2025

“Our growth over the last year is testament to our commitment to Saudi Arabia” says regional MD Haitham Mattar

IHG Hotels & Resorts has revealed that it will add more than 10,000 rooms to its Saudi Arabia portfolio in the next three years.

Last year, IHG signed almost 10 hotels in the kingdom across brands, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo.

The hospitality group has confirmed that several high-profile signings will be announced in the coming months and is expected to open 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia this year across brands such as Regent and Kimpton.

The group’s pipeline includes properties in destinations ranging from global metropolitan hubs such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah.

There will also be hotels in emerging destinations such as Al Khobar, Abha and Dammam

IHG managing director, India, Middle East & Africa Haitham Mattar said: “IHG has a long- standing history of operating in Saudi Arabia, and we have been a firm partner and contributor to Saudi ambitions in tourism and hospitality.

“Our growth over the last year is testament to our commitment to investing in the hospitality sector and developing local talent to showcase true Saudi hospitality to guests coming to the country from across the world. In line with the Tourism Development Strategy, we will continue to bring our brands to various locations within the country, as we commit to introducing new hospitality experiences and further cement our role as a member of the Saudi community.”

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The company is complementing its KSA plans by working with the Ministry of Human Capital development to focus on hiring and developing Saudi talent.

Through the partnership, IHG aims to ensure that it delivers authentic Saudi guest experiences and increases the skills of hospitality professionals, especially those based in secondary and tertiary cities.

To align its ambitions with those of Vision 2030, IHG has fostered robust partnerships, including those with the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Investment Tourism, as well as other respected government entities to facilitate developments across areas including hospitality investment and destination promotion.

IHG currently operates 36 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Voco with a further 28 hotels in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.

For more information, visit www.ihg.com