US-based global hospitality company Hilton has revealed plans to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia by 600 percent, jumping from 15 hotels currently to 75 within the next five years.
According to the statement, the expansion will support the goals of Vision 2030 and provide more than 10,000 new jobs. The announcement came during a meeting between Mr. Ahmed Al-Khatib Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, and Mr. Chris Nassetta President and Chief Executive Officer of Hilton Worldwide Group.
During the meeting, they have discussed the Hilton Worldwide Group’s profile in Saudi Arabia, as well as the company’s expansion plans to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb Tourism Minister Saudi Arabia
“Hilton’s commitment to establishing new hotels in Saudi Arabia demonstrates the group’s confidence in the progress and successes of the Kingdom as we continue to develop the tourism system, reach an ambitious goal of welcoming 100 million visitors by 2030, and increase the contribution of tourism to the GDP of the Kingdom from 3.5 percent to 10 percent. Working with world-leading hospitality and tourism companies such as Hilton group aims to expand the range and size of options available to tourists, an essential part of the ministry’s plans, and work philosophy to revive the tourism sector locally and globally through partnership with the private sector.”
For his part, Mr. Nassetta said, “It is a great honor to come back to Saudi Arabia announcing plans to expand our business with the opening of new brands and hotels in various destinations across the Kingdom.”
“I commend the work that the Ministry of Tourism is doing to facilitate the development of tourism and hospitality. It is a great time for tourism in Saudi Arabia. Hilton is also well-positioned to play a leading role in Vision 2030 to create new jobs. We welcome visitors from all over the world to our hotels,” Mr. Nassetta further added.
