Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Minor Hotels partners with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund to develop mountain and wellness resorts

Minor Hotels partners with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund to develop mountain and wellness resorts
May 19, 2023

Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 530 hotels and resorts in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund to jointly develop and operate high-quality hospitality and lifestyle projects focused on mountain resorts, wellness resorts and urban hotels within the Kingdom.

Tourism Development Fund was created in 2020 to connect the world with opportunities in the Kingdom’s high-growth tourism sectors. With USD $4 billion in funding, it aims to make the tourism investment more attractive to both lenders and investors. Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists in 2019. The tourism sector is a key driver of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Qusai al Fakhri, Chief Executive of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund shared “This MOU and future partnership with Minor Hotels is a great step forward towards making Saudi Arabia an attractive global tourism destination. We are proud to debut Minor Hotels’ internationally recognisable brands in the Kingdom, bringing prestige to Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.”

The establishment of a strategic partnership between the two parties in exclusive regions in Saudi Arabia, will see the development of multiple hospitality projects over the next couple of years. Minor Hotels will act as an operator and partner in each of the projects, which are expected to become distinct destinations in their respective locations. The group’s flagship brands include Anantara, Avani, Tivoli and Oaks and hospitality projects under these brands will be established in locations across Saudi Arabia mutually agreed by both parties. The development of these hotels and resorts is consistent with the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy (NTS) and in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. The projects will be developed in the targeted tourism destinations specified in the National Tourism Strategy and will be announced soon.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive of Minor International and Chief Executive of Minor Hotels notes “The signing of this memorandum of understanding with Saudi’s Tourism Development Fund represents a significant step for Minor Hotels, enabling the group to offer a wide variety of products ranging from experiential luxury to serviced apartments, each creating a personalised product for a consumer niche. We look forward to working closely with TDF to bring these projects to fruition and to creating new iconic hospitality destinations within the Kingdom.”

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund supports tourism investment in the Kingdom, linking private sector investors with public funding opportunities and was set up to harness opportunities and fund development in the tourism ecosystem and tourism destinations across Saudi Arabia.

The luxury brand Anantara will constitute at least one of the agreed projects. Anantara is known for its experience-led and heartfelt hospitality in some of the world’s most exciting destinations. With Thai roots, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is already well known in the GCC region and has more than 10 properties in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar.

Minor Hotels’ dynamic Avani Hotels & Resorts brand will also debut in the Kingdom with multiple properties to be developed as part of the strategic partnership. The contemporary and upbeat hotel brand prioritises style, value and comfort and can be found in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, with a property currently under development in Bahrain to launch in 2024.

The partnership will also include the development of properties within the Kingdom under other Minor brands, such as Tivoli and Oaks. An industry leader in modern residential-style accommodations, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites provides a home away from home for both savvy corporate travellers and leisure tourists alike. Oaks can be found in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with the brand also soon to launch in Egypt. Tivoli Hotels & Resorts differentiates through a range of unique and authentic experiences offered to guests, along with innovative and outstanding service. Within the region, the brand currently has three hotels in Qatar with new properties under development in Bahrain and Oman.

For more information on Minor Hotels visit minorhotels.com/en

Related Articles

12th May 2023 - Hasbro and SEVEN launch Transformers-themed indoor entertainment centres in Saudi Arabia

8th May 2023 - Fun Spot and Clip ‘n Climb market Saudi Arabia brand expansion at SEA 2023

12th April 2023 - Agreement announced for China’s Haichang Ocean Park to develop attractions in Saudi Arabia

27th March 2023 - Saudi Arabia’s NEOM giga-project announces airline launch

17th March 2023 - Saudi Arabian tourism agency will not be a sponsor at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

23rd January 2023 - IAAPA to stage professional development program in Saudi Arabia

20th October 2022 - WTTC announces speakers and reveals theme for 22nd Global Summit in Saudi Arabia

16th October 2022 - Bedouin tribesmen ‘sentenced to death’ for resisting plans for Saudi Arabia’s Neom project

29th September 2022 - UNWTO Tourism Barometer identifies Saudi Arabia as fastest growing destination in the G20

28th September 2022 - Saudi Arabia launches integrated digital platform to facilitate international pilgrim journeys

20th May 2022 - Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage at the heart of tourism growth

23rd April 2022 - WTTC announces Saudi Arabia as next host destination in November this year

4th March 2022 - Innovative technologies to drive mountain tourism destination in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM ‘future city’

5th November 2021 - Saudi Arabia’s NEOM looks to welcome tourists and investors as of 2024

23rd October 2021 - WTTC and Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia launch report addressing global tourism sector recovery

6th August 2021 - Saudi Arabia launches US$530 million fund to develop tourism destinations

25th February 2021 - New company launched to develop mountain tourism in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Tim Batt Water Solutions

Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Recreation / Technology / Venues

 
 

VITEC

Stadiums and venues around the world recognise that success hinges on more than just what happens on the pitch. More than ever, fan engagement within each facility is a critical part of the overall…

read more

Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

Exerp

Exerp is a global IT specialist in member management software for the fitness and leisure industry. By focusing on the needs of large enterprises, where streamlining, control and scalability are…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

iDwala Pty Ltd

iDwala is the Community Sports Facility Specialist offering the highest quality designs and technical expertise to Councils, Schools and Sporting Clubs looking to create sporting…

read more

Consultants / Design / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 

Hadley/Series Australia Pty Ltd

Hadley Australia and Series Australia Pty Ltd are the leading quality theatre chair manufacturers in the southern hemisphere. The businesses work closely with architects, interior designers and…

read more

Arts / Culture / Design / Entertainment / Venues

 
 

Goplay Commercial Playground Equipment

Goplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…

read more

Play

 
 

Hydrocare Pool Services

Hydrocare Pool Services Pty Ltd offer 30 years of experience in aquatic industry features, products and water treatment. Hydrocare Pools has undertaken water treatment for aquatic centres and…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Technology

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business