IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels under 18 different brands, has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority (STA) at the Arabian Travel Market 2023.
He MOU provides a framework for both entities to explore methods to increase inbound visits to Saudi Arabia from key markets in the Middle East and Africa region. This includes the development of personalized promotions, joint marketing campaigns and promotion through loyalty programs that will showcase Saudi Arabia as one of the most exciting destinations in the world for an international audience.
He MOU was signed in the Saudi pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 in Dubai, by James Britchford, IHG’s Vice President of Commercial India, Middle East and Africa, and Munirah Abanomy, Director of Marketing Partnership for the Middle East and Africa at the Saudi Arabian Authority. Saudi Arabia tourism.
With Saudi Arabia targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, the Kingdom is a priority market for IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. The hotel group aims to support the tourism sector in the country by increasing the footprint of its existing brands, as well as introducing new brands from its global portfolio, in addition to running campaigns to promote various destinations within the country. IHG also plans to continue supporting the Kingdom’s Economic Vision by investing in the development of Saudi talent in the Kingdom, with the ambition of recruiting 6,000 nationals into its growing portfolio by 2030.
James Britchford, Commercial Vice President, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts He said: “As a reflection of our commitment to supporting the growth of the tourism industry within the Kingdom, we are delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority. Collaborations with key government entities, such as the STA, allow us to position and promote attractive destinations and exciting tourism offerings that the country has developed for our guests in all markets.”
Abdulkarim Aldarwish – President of Middle East and Africa Markets at the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authoritycommented: “Signature of a MOU with IHG is part of the enthusiasm of the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority to strengthen strategic alliances with leading international companies and prestigious brands with global reach. Such partnerships enhance the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority’s efforts to attract tourists and enrich their experience by providing best-in-class products, deals and packages.”
In order to expand its presence in key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, Makkah, Dammam, Al Khobar and Mega Projects, IHG Hotels & Resorts is positioned to add more than 10,000 additional rooms to its portfolio in the next 2-3 years. This is set to significantly boost the tourism infrastructure in the country and provide a wide range of accommodation options, in luxury, leisure, religious and business tourism.
IHG® Hotels & Resorts currently operates 37 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and voco, with 31 hotels under development to open within the next three to five years. .
