MAHER ABOU NASR ON KSA'S NEW ERA OF TRAVEL

In an interview for Hospitality News ME, Hodema consulting services sat down with Maher Abou Nasr, vice president of operations, IHG Hotels & Resorts in KSA, for the latest lowdown on Saudi Arabia’s hotel industry and IHG’S position in the KSA market.

How would you describe the hotel industry in KSA?

The outlook for the hospitality industry is promising. The country is witnessing a new era of travel as it undergoes a historic period of growth and transformation. Investment in tourism has had a positive impact on the growth of the hospitality sector, with new accommodation options and destination experiences. Moreover, in the mid to long-term, we believe that the hospitality industry will be an extremely important sector in the kingdom, fuelled by increasing demand from both business and leisure travelers, and the return of religious tourism such as Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages now that the pandemic has subsided.

How are the new projects/initiatives in KSA affecting the hotel industry?

Numerous government initiatives are having a significant positive impact by supporting the hotel industry’s growth in Saudi Arabia. Vision 2030 and subsequent projects have boosted the hotel industry’s confidence. The kingdom boasts myriad tourist attractions and diverse natural assets, which have rare and historic heritage value. Additionally, the leadership has initiated a number of entertainment events such as seasonal festivals and competitive sports leagues. They have also invested in giga projects. In addition, the government is facilitating arrivals in the country with airport and infrastructure upgrades, new airline routes and the introduction of a new tourism visa.

Are you able to tell us about any future projects for IHG in KSA?

As KSA is a priority market for IHG in the Middle East, we aim to grow the footprint of our existing brands, as well as to introduce new brands from our global portfolio in the country. We are exploring opportunities within these developments for multiple projects across our luxury brands such as Regent, Six Senses, Intercontinental and Kimpton, as well as our brands in the mainstream category to cater to a wider group of travelers.

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