Hilton is committed to growing in Saudi Arabia, and its President & CEO, Chris Nassetta, led a visit to discuss plans to open over 60 new hotels in the country in the coming years, quadrupling its presence. These hotels will include award-winning brands in new tourism destinations, large-scale developments, major cities, and regional locations.
During the visit, Chris Nassetta met with the Ministry of Tourism to discuss Hilton’s growth plans. H.E. Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the expansion, stating it enhances Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure and aligns with Vision 2030 goals. The aim is to increase hotel rooms to 550,000 by 2030, attracting global investors and showcasing opportunities for private sector investment.
Chris Nassetta expressed Hilton’s excitement to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s progress, praising the country’s remarkable development vision. The Ministry of Tourism, with over $800 billion in investments, aims to attract foreign investments, improve industry standards, and increase job opportunities.
Nassetta highlighted Hilton’s commitment to creating jobs for Saudi nationals, with almost 10,000 new jobs in the pipeline. Hilton is working to build a purpose-driven workplace, partnering with academic institutions to support and empower people in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s great to be back in Saudi Arabia and experience the incredible progress made in developing the country’s tourism infrastructure. Hilton has operated in the Kingdom for almost 30 years and forged strong relationships that allow us to continue driving our expansion plans into even more destinations. We now have two-thirds of our pipeline under construction and we are working to quadruple our portfolio across the Kingdom – which is a true testament to the remarkable development vision led by the Kingdom’s leaders and our valued owner partners. I am thrilled that Hilton is playing a role in contributing to this inspiring future.’, she said.
Nasetta also mentioned, “We take pride in being the No.1 World’s Best Workplace and we remain committed to building a strong culture for Hilton Team Members throughout the Kingdom as our pipeline will create almost 10,000 jobs with more than half of our new hires to be Saudi nationals. We continue to work to create a purpose-driven workplace, partnering with academic institutions to provide the training and tools required to support and empower people across Saudi Arabia to pursue life-long, fulfilling careers in hospitality,” concluded Nassetta.
Hilton is expanding its network in the Kingdom, including a trio signing with Dan Company to launch three properties in Al Ahsa. The Hotel Galleria Jeddah, Curio Collection by Hilton, inspired by Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuale II, opened with 363 rooms, amenities, and dining options.
Hampton by Hilton Sharma, the first Hampton by Hilton in Saudi Arabia, is set to open, providing a seamless stay experience near NEOM Bay Airport. Hilton Riyadh Olaya, with 239 rooms, is expected to open in March 2024, offering many dining options and amenities.
In 2022, Hilton signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tourism Development Fund for family-friendly leisure destinations. Hilton also announced exciting projects like Waldorf Astoria Diriyah Gate, Conrad Riyadh Laysen Valley, Canopy by Hilton Porta Jeddah, and Hilton The Point Residences in Abha.
Currently operating 18 hotels in Saudi Arabia, Hilton’s development pipeline of over 60 properties includes new brands like LXR Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, and Embassy Suites by Hilton. Globally, Hilton has a record-breaking pipeline of nearly 3,300 hotels in development, making it a significant player in the hospitality industry.
