The Group is poised to maintain and strengthen its leading position in the Kingdom, with over 25,000 rooms open and in the pipeline across a diverse range of brands from Economy to Lifestyle and Luxury, including branded residences. The portfolio will be further enriched by the growth of its existing brands and the debut of new brands such as tribe and handwritten collection.

As Saudi Arabia’s leading hotel operator, Accor is driving a strategic transformation of the country’s tourist sector, ushering in a new era of hospitality in the Kingdom.

In addition to expanding its presence, the world-leading hospitality group recently launched Accor One Living, which provides dedicated expertise in mixed-use and branded residential development, and sees great opportunity in the design-driven TRIBE brand and the introduction of one-of-a-kind hotels under its Handwritten Collection brand to the Saudi market, presenting new and exciting opportunities for expansion.

Accor presently operates 13 brands in Saudi Arabia, including premium, midscale, and economy hotels, as well as luxury brands and Ennismore’s lifestyle collective. With major brands such as ibis, Novotel, Adagio, Mercure, Mövenpick, Swissotel, Pullman, Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Banyan Tree, and others, the group has established itself as a premier hospitality provider, offering a diverse range of services and experiences.

Furthermore, Accor has established a strong presence in the Holy Cities, with 13 properties offering a diverse range of accommodation options, including Swissôtel Makkah, Raffles Makkah Palace, Pullman ZamZam Makkah, Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel. Mercure Makkah Al Aziziya, which launched during the Hajj season in 2023, is the latest addition to this prestigious collection. Fairmont Rua Madinah and Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences Makkah – MGallery Collection will debut in 2027. These enhancements complement Accor’s offerings, ensuring that pilgrims and visitors alike receive great hospitality throughout their stay.

Last year, Accor launched Accor One Living, consolidating its position as a global leader in the branded homes sector, which is one of the fastest-growing segments in hospitality. Saudi destinations include Swissôtel Living Jeddah, Adagio Jeddah City Centre, Adagio Jeddah Malik Road, Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, and the planned Novotel Residences Makkah.

Accor’s congruence with the Kingdom’s ambitions continues to be a key driver in its development plan, as it penetrates the market in both essential locations and exciting new destinations like The Red Sea, AlUla, and NEOM. At The Red Sea development, Accor is poised to introduce an amazing roster of brands, including Raffles, Fairmont, Faena, and Ennismore’s SLS, bringing iconic and unique luxury and lifestyle experiences on 200 kilometers of pristine coastline. In the Diriyah Gate master plan, Accor will open hotels under the Orient Express, Raffles, and Faena brands.

Accor’s relationship with the Kingdom has been in the works for 30 years, extending beyond its flagship cities and into second-wave cities. This includes the development and franchising of 18 Accor properties in partnership with AMSA Hospitality, which will open properties in Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk, and Jazan over the next ten years, with the first property signed, Mercure Khamis Mushayt in Aseer.

Agnès Roquefort, Global Chief Development Officer, Luxury & Lifestyle Division, Accor, stated, “At Accor, we continue to explore the vast potential for luxury and lifestyle brands in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030. We are strategically diversifying our offerings to cater to various traveller preferences, from high-end luxury experiences to vibrant lifestyle concepts. By offering a diverse range of experiences, we aim to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our guests, while contributing to the growth and development of the Saudi hospitality sector.”

Accor plans to open a number of new properties in 2024, adding over 635 rooms throughout the premium, midscale, and economy classes, including Novotel Sahafa Riyadh, which will provide modern accommodations and facilities. In addition to these categories, the Group will offer three luxury and lifestyle properties over the next 12 months: Sofitel Riyadh (388 rooms), Ennismore’s Rixos Obhur Jeddah (247 rooms), and SO/ Hotel & Residences Jeddah Tahlia (147 keys), expanding the network even further. Furthermore, in the leisure market, Ennismore, in which Accor owns a majority stake, has 13 hotels and resorts (3,500+ rooms) in the works that are slated to launch in the next years.

Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific at Accor, stated, “As we continue to drive growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia, we draw upon over 30 years of presence in the Kingdom. Our expansion underscores our enduring commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while supporting the realization of Vision 2030’s ambitious objectives. Through our compelling brands and strategic alliances, we are poised to shape the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Together, we are not just building hotels; we are contributing to the growth of local communities.”

Accor’s strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism demonstrates the company’s dedication to fostering and expanding the hospitality industry from the ground up. The partnership, which is dedicated to nurturing and developing Saudi talent, is exemplified by the ‘Tamayyaz by Accor’ program, which provides new graduates and talented individuals with a clear path to career advancement by identifying essential roles in each department, cultivating talent, and raising hospitality standards to a global level. Upon completion of the six-month program, trainees will be placed in their respective departments within the Accor portfolio.

With 41 properties and more than 16,000 rooms currently in operation in the Kingdom, as well as a robust development pipeline with an ambitious growth plan to add over 45 hotels and an additional 9,800+ rooms by 2030, Accor maintains its leadership position and remains committed to the Saudi market.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here