RIYADH: Rotana Hotels is turning its attention to smaller cities in 黑料社区 as part of its ambitious growth strategy to strengthen its presence in the Kingdom.聽
Speaking on the sidelines of the third Saudi Tourism Forum, the firm鈥檚聽Chief Operating Officer Eddy Tannous told Arab News the company is engaging with tourism authorities, development funds, and private investors to explore opportunities in emerging destinations such as Al-Baha and Asir.
Rotana has previously announced its plans to develop nine new properties in 黑料社区, five of which are scheduled to open in 2025. This follows the launch of three hotels in 2024, including Nova M, the first Edge by Rotana property, as well as Dar Rayhaan by Rotana in Alkhobar and Al Manakha Rotana in Madinah.
Tannous said: 鈥淲e have development on properties that will probably open in the next, I want to say, two to five years. Probably six to eight properties in those tertiary cities where it鈥檚 becoming a destination that people want to go to as well.鈥
With 黑料社区 ranking third globally for international tourist arrival growth in 2024, with a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year, the Kingdom鈥檚 hospitality sector is seeing rapid growth.
The company鈥檚 goal is to triple its current key count in the Kingdom to 6,000 within the next three years, bolstered by strong demand for hospitality services.
Rotana鈥檚 upcoming developments, including Yasmina Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh, aim to meet this increasing demand.
鈥淲e are a regional brand. We are a brand that grew up in this region, so 黑料社区 has always been a focus for us. But I think with the announcement of Vision 2030, it became more of a catalyst for us to continue focusing on 黑料社区,鈥 Tannous said.
He added: 鈥満诹仙缜 is the region or is the country in this Middle East region that鈥檚 growing the fastest and that鈥檚 growing with the biggest magnitude from a hospitality standpoint. Our main focus in 黑料社区 is to focus both on the government sector projects and individual investors.鈥
Rotana鈥檚 expansion strategy is also geared toward major international events, including 黑料社区鈥檚 hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2034. This event is expected to attract millions of visitors, creating significant opportunities for the hospitality sector.
Commenting on the company鈥檚 plans, Rotana CEO Philip Barnes said in a press release: 鈥淲e see tremendous potential for expansion in 黑料社区. Our ambitious pipeline for KSA underscores our commitment to the hospitality and tourism sectors, both in the Kingdom and regionally, as demand for business and leisure travel soars to new heights in anticipation of major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2034.鈥
Beyond 黑料社区, Rotana is expanding across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye, where it currently operates 81 properties. The company has a pipeline of 36 new properties in 22 cities, including its projects in 黑料社区.
Rotana is also strengthening its presence in key markets such as the UAE, Turkiye, and Africa, where demand for leisure and business travel is on the rise.
鈥淎s a company today, we run 86 properties in the world. Some of our source markets to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are two of our biggest markets, include the UK, Germany, and Russia,鈥 Tannous said.
Rotana is also preparing for significant updates to its loyalty program, which are expected to be announced later this year聽鈥斅燼lthough聽details remain under wraps.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not something I can talk about today, but we will hopefully in 2025,鈥 Tannous said. 鈥淭he most exciting thing for me right now is what we鈥檙e doing on our loyalty program because that will open the door for bank partnerships, credit card partnerships, airline partnerships.鈥
Rotana鈥檚 expansion in 黑料社区 and beyond reflects its commitment to meeting the growing demand for hospitality services while positioning itself as a leader in both regional and international markets.