IHG has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).
The MOU provides a framework for both entities
to explore methods of increasing the number of visitor arrivals to Saudi Arabia
from key markets across the Middle East and Africa, including customised promotions, joint marketing
campaigns and loyalty program initiatives.
IHG currently operates
37 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including:
InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites,
and voco, with 31 hotels in the development pipeline set to open
within the next three to five years.
The company plans to hire 6,000 nationals
across it’s growing portfolio by 2030.
James Britchford,
Vice President, Commercial, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG
Hotels & Resorts, said, “As a reflection of our commitment to
support the growth of the tourism industry within the Kingdom, we
are delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi
Tourism Authority. Collaborations with key government entities,
such as the STA, enable us to position and promote attractive
destinations and exciting tourism offerings that the country has
developed, to our guests across markets.”
Saudi Arabia has ambitious goals for its tourism,
MICE and business travel sectors, targeting 100 million visitors
by 2030. The country attracted approximately 16.5 million
international visitor arrivals in 2022.
Abdulkarim
Aldarwish – President of Middle East & Africa Markets at the Saudi
Tourism Authority, said, “The signing of a MOU with IHG comes within the framework of the Saudi Tourism Authority’s keenness to
strengthen strategic partnerships with major international
companies and prestigious brands with global reach. Such
partnerships enhance the efforts of the Saudi Tourism Authority in
attracting tourists and enriching their experience by providing
best-in-class products, offers and packages.”
