Hilton Group Announces Major Expansion In Saudi Arabia With Over 60 New Hotels

Riyadh, February 28, 2024 – In a significant move for Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb has announced the Hilton Hotel Group's ambitious plan to increase its footprint in the Kingdom. The expansion aims to establish over 60 hotels in the coming years, marking a substantial growth in the hospitality industry within the country.

The Ministry of Tourism is actively seeking to enhance Saudi Arabia's appeal as a global tourist destination. This effort aligns with the Kingdom's strategic vision to boost the total number of hotel rooms to more than 500,000 by 2030. By inviting renowned international brands like the Hilton Hotel Group, the ministry aims to elevate the quality of services offered to tourists and bolster the sector's contribution to the national GDP by 10%.

Furthermore, the ministry is collaborating with private sector entities to fortify the Kingdom's tourism infrastructure. This partnership is crucial for attracting investment and ensuring the sustainability and quality of tourism services. One of the ambitious targets set by the ministry includes attracting 150 million tourists by 2030.

The Hilton Group's expansion is not just a growth opportunity for the brand but also opens doors for global investors looking to tap into Saudi Arabia's burgeoning tourism market. Chris Nassetta, Chairman and CEO of Hilton Group, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in enhancing its tourism infrastructure and expressed enthusiasm about expanding their presence across more destinations within the Kingdom. Notably, two-thirds of Hilton's projects in Saudi Arabia are currently under development, with plans to quadruple their project portfolio.

Nassetta highlighted the potential economic benefits of these projects, including the creation of approximately 10,000 job opportunities. Importantly, over half of these jobs are expected to be filled by Saudi citizens. The Hilton Group is committed to fostering a goal-oriented work environment and partnering with academic institutions. These collaborations aim to offer training programs that will equip Saudi citizens with the skills needed for permanent positions in the hospitality sector across Saudi Arabia.

This expansion by the Hilton Hotel Group signifies a major leap towards achieving Saudi Arabia's tourism goals. It underscores the Kingdom's attractiveness as a destination for international hotel brands and investors alike, promising a future of growth and prosperity for its tourism sector.

With inputs from SPA