Saudia Arabia hotel growth on the upswing
Diriyah Gate Development Authority is signing on 16 new global hotel brands and is testament to the pace of development.
Responsible for the transformation of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, into a great gathering place in the world, DGDA today announced adding 16 new global hotel brands to its hospitality portfolio which includes 16 additional global brands. This brings the total to 32 hotel management agreements with global hotel brands, with the first hotel planned to open in 2023.
This will be the first giga project in the world to simultaneously open, ground-break, and announce world class assets every year from 2022 until completion. To this end, Diriyah has just announced the opening of 2 of its most significant locations – At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country’s most important historical sites and a symbol of Saudi identity, as well as Bujairi Terrace, a much-anticipated premium dining destination overlooking the majestic At-Turaif.
The 16 hotel brands slated to open will be situated across 2 of DGDA’s masterplan areas – Diriyah and Wadi Safar. The infrastructure of Diriyah’s first phase of hotel construction will feature an interpretation of the local landscape and traditional Najdi design themes, whereas the next phase will offer visitors a more evolved Najdi design experience. Both phases of Diriyah’s hospitality development plans will see a variety of luxury hotels open characterized by cutting-edge design, top-class amenities, and superb customer service.
Thai-rooted brand Anantara, part of Minor Hotels, will provide a window into the destination through its authentic experience-led hospitality. Corinthia Hotels seeks to build upon its hospitality legacy by delighting the senses of Diriyah’s travelers with great service and timeless design motifs within Diriyah’s first phase. Diriyah will also feature Marriott International’s EDITION Hotels which is a unique luxury collection of individualized hotels considered the next chapter in the lifestyle hotel story. Taj Hotels will offer guests a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. The Langham, Diriyah, promises to captivate the senses with sophisticated and gracious hospitality, reflecting elegance in design, innovation, and sincere service. Conrad Hilton himself said Waldorf Astoria is “the greatest of them all” – Waldorf Astoria Diriyah brings a relentless commitment to elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences, and culinary expertise.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of DGDA, applauded the new hotels joining the Diriyah hospitality portfolio, stating: “We are excited to further Diriyah’s position as Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural epicenter by bringing international hoteliers to operate within Diriyah.”
“Each and every hotel brand offers a special distinctive experience for visitors, all united by a shared promise to provide a unique set of high-quality services measured to global standards for all of Diriyah’s guests. The opening of these hotels signifies our ongoing promise to transform Diriyah into one of the greatest gathering places in the world, welcoming visitors from around the world into the Kingdom in line with Vision 2030’s aims and objectives.”
Diriyah will also offer several upscale hotel options providing travelers with comfortable and convenient choices to lodge in during their stay. 1 Hotels, focused on sustainable luxury and celebrating all that is wonderful in nature, is designed using sustainable and local resources and operated in the most environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, Pendry Hotels & Resorts will add its renowned luxury touch to the city’s culture, offering authentic service tailored to today’s cultured world traveler. Treehouse Hotel will offer guests a free-spirited environmentally conscious lifestyle experience that creatively captures the carefree comfort, freedom, nostalgia, and fun of childhood.
Additionally, Diriyah’s hospitality masterplan will unveil several upscale lifestyle hotel choices including Hyatt Place, combining style, innovation, and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler, while Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels will offer a playful, affordable, and stylish hotel experience designed to give guests everything they want and nothing they don’t. Radisson Hotel Group’s Radisson RED brand will present a playful twist on the conventional as part of their “Prepare to be inspired” moto.
Wadi Safar is a place of outstanding natural beauty and is a destination steeped in heritage and rich cultural tradition nestled within 60 square kilometers of unspoiled desert landscape. Wadi Safar is set to welcome several prestigious hotel brands, including Faena Group; via a global venture with hospitality group Accor; Faena Hotel will bring their creation of one-of-a-kind holistic environments anchored in cultural experiences to Wadi Safar. Montage Hotels & Resorts will offer comfortable elegance, a unique sense of place and spirit; impeccable hospitality; and memorable culinary, spa, and lifestyle experiences. The Chedi, by GHM Hotels, will exhibit elegance and timeless authenticity curated with respect to the unique culture of the locale to imbue “A Style To Remember.” Well Health Retreat, a resort dedicated to improving people’s health and well-being, is rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and sustainability as the ultimate luxury and the essence of the brand philosophy.
source: eTN