IHG® Hotels & Resorts, a globally renowned hotel
company, has inaugurated its new headquarters in Saudi Arabia, marking a
pivotal step in the company's expansion plans within the Kingdom. This
strategic move is aligned with Saudi Arabia's Saudisation goals and Vision
2030, underlining IHG's commitment to transforming the hospitality sector in
the region.
The newly established office, situated in the King Abdullah
Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, reinforces IHG's dedication to the
Kingdom's development as a major global economic player. With half of IHG's
current Middle East hotel development projects located in Saudi Arabia, the
company is actively increasing its presence in the country.
IHG
Hotels & Resorts signs deal to develop 250-Key property in NEOM's Oxagon
IHG's expansion strategy in Saudi Arabia is closely tied to
job creation and talent development. Currently, 44% of the company's workforce
in the country consists of Saudi Nationals, totaling around 1,700 colleagues.
IHG aims to further bolster this figure by hiring an additional 6,000 Saudi
nationals by the year 2030. By investing in local talent and contributing to
the country's economic growth, IHG seeks to play a pivotal role in advancing
Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector.
The inauguration of the Saudi headquarters was celebrated in
the presence of Moataz Kurdi, Deputy Minister of Policies and Regulations at
the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia.
Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister of Tourism Destinations
Enablement at the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, commented: "As we continue
to attract investment and foster growth in Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, IHG
Hotels & Resorts' substantial expansion within our borders is a testament
to the promising opportunities the Kingdom offers. This commitment to investing
in our market aligns with our mission to create a dynamic, investor-friendly
environment aimed at driving economic diversification. This, in turn, brings us
closer to realizing Saudi Vision 2030."
Neom
to establish itself as a pioneer in the future of hospitality: Chris Newman
Moataz Kurdi, Deputy Minister of Policies and Regulations at
the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, stated: "As we work towards the
ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030, including economic diversification,
social progress, and cultural enrichment, we are strategically positioning the
Kingdom to become a top global destination for travelers from all over the
world. IHG Hotels & Resorts' commitment to this vision, exemplified by the
opening of their Saudi Headquarters in Riyadh, reflects our joint dedication to
Saudi Vision 2030. These steps will not only accelerate the Kingdom's tourism
sector but also contribute significantly to our economic growth and development
goals, enhancing Saudi Arabia's position on the world stage."
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels &
Resorts for SWA, Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the importance of Saudi
Arabia as a primary focus for IHG, stating: "This is an important next
step in our growth in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is a truly significant
move to solidify IHG's position as one of the leading hospitality companies in
the country."
Maher Abou Nasr, VP Operations, Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels
& Resorts, added, "The opening of our new office in Riyadh signifies
IHG's expanding presence in the country, with half of our hotels in the Middle
East pipeline set to open doors in the Kingdom. As the visionary Saudi
leadership continues to drive its Saudization efforts in boosting local talent
development, IHG is committed to being a part of KSA's growth story."
Saudi Arabia is a priority market for IHG in the Middle
East, with a current portfolio of 40 operating hotels and 32 hotels in the
pipeline. Recent signings in the Kingdom include Regent Jeddah, a Kimpton in
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), a Hotel Indigo property in Oxagon,
NEOM, and a memorandum of understanding to open 12 'Next Generation' Holiday
Inn Express hotels across the country, among others.
Source: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/
0 Comments