In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and evolving guest preferences, IHG signed multiple deals to bring more hotels across premium and lifestyle brands including Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza and voco to the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia-: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, recorded a momentous year for hotel signings in Saudi Arabia. The Group achieved significant pace in growth, with the signing of close to 15 new agreements and opening of 5 hotels in 2023, solidifying its position as a key player in the country’s burgeoning tourism and hospitality industry.
With a commitment to cater to the evolving needs of the Saudi hospitality sector and the next-gen traveller, IHG has made a strategic push into the premium and lifestyle hotel segments in the Kingdom. The company signed 5 new hotel agreements in the category over the past year, including Hotel Indigo King Fahd Road, Hotel Indigo Abha, and voco Jeddah & Suites. IHG also opened voco Makkah, the largest voco-branded hotel globally with 4,321 keys which will cater to an increase in spiritual travelers, as part of the country’s wider tourism strategy.
The strategic push for premium and lifestyle properties has resulted in a robust pipeline for IHG, with these segments now accounting for close to 50% of the company’s hotel pipeline by rooms in Saudi Arabia.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director — India, Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts, commented: “Saudi Arabia has long been a strategic market for IHG, and we are incredibly excited by the Kingdom’s phenomenal growth. The recent milestone of marking 100 million visitors is a testament to the country’s rapid transformation and journey to becoming a global tourism powerhouse. We are proud to be part of this dynamic landscape, as we continue to build on our legacy as one of the first international hospitality operators in the Kingdom in 1975.
He added: “The evolving tourism sector presents significant opportunities, driven by a surge in diverse travelers seeking unique cultural, entertainment and lifestyle experiences across Saudi Arabia. We see substantial opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism sector, and we are adapting our offerings to cater to today’s travelers. Our portfolio of premium and lifestyle brands, such as Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, voco, and Crowne Plaza, is well-loved by guests and consistently delivers strong returns for our owners, making IHG the ideal partner for investors seeking to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s flourishing hospitality market.”
IHG’s diverse portfolio caters to a wider range of guest preferences, offering unparalleled experiences. Beyond Premium and Lifestyle signings, last year, IHG further introduced two iconic luxury brands to the market: Regent Hotels & Resorts in Jeddah and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Riyadh which are both due to open next year. Additionally, the company signed a Master Development Agreement (MDA) development of 12 hotels and 2,500 keys under the Holiday Inn Express brand across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Solidifying its commitment to the market, the Group also inaugurated a new Saudi headquarters in Riyadh last year, underscoring its long-term vision for the Saudi market.
IHG currently operates 43 hotels in Saudi Arabia across brands including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and voco, with 39 hotels in the development pipeline.
