Hilton to expand Saudi footprint

The operator currently has 46 hotels under development in the kingdom

Hilton has announced major expansion plans in Saudi Arabia, which will result in the creation of more than 10,000 new jobs across the kingdom.

The new roles will be created as a result of a fast-growing portfolio of hotels and will contribute towards Saudi Arabia’s target of one million new jobs in tourism as part of the Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.

Commenting on the announcement, Saudi Arabia minister of tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb said: “Today’s commitment by Hilton to new hotels and creating more than 10,000 new jobs demonstrates their confidence in the progress being made in Saudi Arabia as we continue to develop and grow our tourism industry.

We have an ambitious target of welcoming 100 million international and domestic visits by 2030

“Working with world-leading hospitality and tourism businesses like Hilton to expand the range and scale of options available to tourists is a key part of our plans.”

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Hilton chief executive Chris Nassetta added: “It’s a great honour to be back in Saudi Arabia as we announce plans to expand our portfolio here with new brands and hotels opening in destinations across the kingdom.

“I commend the work undertaken by the ministry of tourism to facilitate the development of tourism and hospitality – this is a truly remarkable time for tourism in Saudi Arabia and Hilton is well positioned to play a leading role in Vision 2030 creating new jobs as we welcome visitors from around the world.”

Hilton currently operates 15 hotels in Saudi with 46 under development and plans to introduce new brands, including LXR Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton and Embassy by Hilton.

For more information, visit www.hilton.com