Second city-centre property to tap into burgeoning demand for mid-scale hotel accommodation in Saudi capital; management agreement for 126 key property to open in 2014.
Swiss-Belhotel International, one of Asia’s leading mid-scale hotel operators, has added a new Saudi hotel project to its growing Middle East portfolio with the official signing of a 126-room hotel in Riyadh’s new financial district.
Sheikh Abdallah Al Jumaiah and Khaled Al Jumaiah, President and Vice President respectively of owning company, the Al Jumaiah Group, Gavin Faull, Chairman and President and Ghassan Aridi, CEO, Alpha Tours signed the management agreement. Also in attendance was Eng. Ahmed M. Al-Essa, Asst. Vice President for Licensing, Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities.
“As the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh captures considerable inbound demand, and the signing of a second property gives us guaranteed city-wide coverage and access to a burgeoning corporate base to drive solid and sustained business growth,” said Faull.
According to a statement issued by Sheikh Abdallah, the Al Jumaiah Group is focusing on providing creative value in every one of its projects, and developing a collection of properties that includes four-star, luxury and boutique hotels. “The co-branding with Swiss-Belhotel International will power our development forward through a partnership where both sides understand the needs of the hospitality market and can delivers an exceptional product to our global customers,” he remarked.
Saudi Arabia is expected to deliver 1,182 new internationally branded hotels into the market by 2015 according to a Colliers International October 2012 market report, with potential for an additional 34,882 midscale hotel guestrooms after 2015, located in both primary and second tier cities.
“Internationally branded economy hotels are a great match for the demographic profile of the Saudi market and Swiss-Belhotel International’s modern product is both culturally suitable for local families as well as appealing to international visitors, with its competitive pricing model,” said Faull.
“With a limited supply of quality internationally branded economy hotels in the Kingdom this is a timely opportunity for us to cement the status of the brand in the market,” added Faull.
Located on the busy King Fahd Street, just one kilometre from King Abdullah Financial City district, the 126-room hotel Swiss-Belhotel Riyadh is scheduled to open in September 2014.
“The building architecture is strikingly unique, offering breathtaking views of the capital from each of its four corners,” remarked Philippe Kordahi, Hotel Development Director for Al Jumaiah Group.
Hotel facilities will include 26 floors of spacious accommodation, two restaurants, three meeting rooms plus banquet facilities and ample leisure space including a swimming pool, health club and games room.
Photo caption: (L-R) Ghassan Aridi,CEO, Alpha Tours; Abdallah Ali Al Jumaiah, President, Al Jumaiah Group and Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President, Swiss-Belhotel International.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
