Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya reduces use of plastic
January 28, 2020

RIYADH — In an effort to boost environmental protection, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya has launched a series of sustainability initiatives in the property. The hotel has successfully abolished single-use plastic in its heart-of-house by introducing reusable water bottles among over 300 employees. Additionally, in their approach to protect the planet, the property has taken measures to reduce their energy consumption by five percent during the first quarter of"...

Millennium takes over Makkah hotel as part of Saudi expansion plans
January 28, 2020

Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA, one of the fastest-growing regional hotel management companies in the Middle East, has announced it is taking over Al Dana Diamond Makkah.

The company said it will rebrand the hotel as M Hotel Al Dana Makkah and will add 611 keys to its inventory of 3,240 keys in Saudi Arabia.

Situated"...

Saudi 'issued 350,000 tourist visas in last three months'
January 26, 2020

Saudi Arabia has issued a record 350,000 tourist visas during the last three months of 2019, reported The Saudi Gazette, citing a senior tourism official.

Ahmad Al Khatib, chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) said the numbers achieved lately are"...

E-visa service makes it easier than ever for Saudis to visit India
January 26, 2020

RIYADH: The introduction last year of an online “e-visa” service for Saudi nationals who want to visit India was an important development in the growing relationship between the nations.
The system, announced during a state visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in February last year, was launched on June 17.
It allows Saudi citizens to apply online for tourist, business, medical and conference visas. In addition, fees were reduced"...

Saudi group to open more hotels in kingdom
January 23, 2020

Mohammad Abdulaziz Al Rajhi and Sons Investment Co. celebrated its contribution towards the major boost in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning hospitality industry at a board meeting held at the company’s latest hotel project – voco Al Khobar.

Owned by heirs of Sheikh Mohammad Bin AbdulAziz Al Rajhi, the company is working with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) to develop the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.

Thanks to the successful"...

Hilton to quadruple Saudi portfolio by 2025
January 22, 2020

With its rapidly developing pipeline in Saudi Arabia, Hilton expects to quadruple its portfolio in the kingdom throughout the next five years to more than 50 hotels, with a total of 16,000 rooms open across the kingdom.

Hilton, which currently operates five of its industry-leading brands in Saudi Arabia - Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn – continues to grow and develop and introduce"...

Plaza Premium Lounge Dubai creates a lasting impression for travellers departing Dubai International
January 22, 2020

Highlights of Plaza Premium Lounge Dubai:

• 1,260-square-metre Plaza Premium Lounge Dubai with a maximum capacity of 300 guests, the largest independent pay-per-use airport lounge at Terminal 3 in the busiest transit hub in the Middle East
• Special features: Four Family Suites, dedicated Playroom, “first-class” enclosed private napping space, cigar lounge, male and female prayer rooms
• Glocal cuisine freshly prepared at live"...
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Hotel giant IHG to open Saudi office as it seeks further expansion
January 21, 2020

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced plans to open an office in Riyadh in March.

The news comes as IHG continues to expand its portfolio in the kingdom in response to Vision 2030 and the opportunities it presents to the tourism and hospitality sector.

IHG said the new office will also drive the performance"...

Saudi Arabia’s winter season welcomes tourists
January 18, 2020

RIYADH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has teamed up with travel firms to offer packages to people visiting the Kingdom during the winter season.
The packages feature transport, accommodation and tour guides, and cover a number of destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Activities range from sledding and camel rides to dune bashing and sand-boarding.
Trips vary from a one-day tour to a full week, and they have"...

Ascott opens new 172-key hotel in Saudi Arabia
January 15, 2020

The Ascott Limited is strengthening its Saudi Arabia portfolio with the opening of its eagerly anticipated Ascott Corniche Al Khobar property, marking its sixth operational residence in the kingdom.

The 172-unit property is centrally located on Prince Turki Street and is easily accessible by footpath to the Corniche, while the surrounding neighbourhood offers visitors a range of leisure options including shopping malls and restaurants. Guests will also"...