IHG Hotels and Resorts Leading the Way in Saudi Arabia's Hospitality Boom

By Author

Published on October 18, 2023

Future Hospitality Summit recently held in Abu Dhabi with the prominent hoteliers around the world converging to share insights, innovations, and strategies to shape the future of the global hospitality industry.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of Middle East, Africa, and South West Asia for IHG Hotels and Resorts, was enthusiastic about IHG's role in the region, stating that over 100 projects are in the works in Saudi Arabia alone, accounting for 50 percent of IHG's regional development. This is primarily in response to Saudi Arabia's ambitious tourism vision, known as Vision 2030, which aims to attract over 100 million visitors to the Kingdom.

Mattar noted, "The Kingdom aims to build another half-a-million hotel rooms, and we obviously, being the first operator there, have a great name and a reputation to position ourselves to be one of the preferred brands for private investors and for the government."

IHG has a storied history in Saudi Arabia, having introduced the first international five-star brand to the country with the opening of InterContinental Riyadh in 1975. As one of the earliest international entrants into the Saudi market, IHG has played a pivotal role in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.

IHG currently stands as the largest operator in Saudi Arabia and has an array of upcoming projects. By the end of this year, the ultra-luxury brand Six Senses is set to make its debut in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea project. Additionally, InterContinental in the Red Sea is scheduled to commence operations by the second quarter of 2024.

It is also revealed that the soon-to-be-introduced Kimpton Hotel will be deeply intertwined with Saudi cultural elements. The Kimpton Riyadh, a first for the region, will feature five culinary venues, including an all-day dining establishment, a specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge, a lobby living room café, and a pool bar.

"In addition, we see immense growth potential in our midscale brands, especially with the Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands," Mattar added.

IHG Hotels and Resorts is at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's booming hospitality industry, aligning itself with the Kingdom's ambitious tourism goals and showcasing a commitment to both luxury and cultural authenticity in its diverse projects.

Fusion Resorts Celebrate Global Wellness Month with Enriching Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Fusion, the wellness-inspired resort group, is set to welcome June with a vibrant month-long celebration of health and mindfulness across its properties in Vietnam and Thailand. Honouring Global Wellness Day (June 14) and International Yoga Day (June 21), Fusion's resorts will offer guests enriching wellness experiences, from beachside yoga to guided meditations and spa rituals.

The Fusionlife loyalty program enhances this celebration with exclusive perks on accommodation and dining. Guests can explore more about these wellness benefits at: fusionhotelgroup.com/fusionlife.

Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang

This resort begins its journey on June 14 with outdoor yoga and an evening painting meditation at Maia Spa, fostering mindfulness and creativity. On June 21, International Yoga Day will feature early morning yoga and meditation, followed by a blend of yoga and painting in the afternoon—creating a thoughtful balance of movement and reflection throughout the month.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

Guests can enjoy a full day of activities on June 14, including tai chi on the beach, family yoga, detox sessions, and a kids' yoga class. The afternoon brings an organic hair conditioner workshop and chi nei tsang therapy. For International Yoga Day, the schedule includes surya namaskar by the ocean, vinyasa flow, nidra yoga, and more—designed to promote emotional balance and deep relaxation.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Nestled in the Trường Sơn Mountains, this resort offers a nature-immersed experience. Global Wellness Day begins with a forest hike and meditation, followed by a joyful "nature dance" and a healing hot spring soak. On Yoga Day, guests are invited for sunrise yoga beneath trees and a tranquil evening sound healing session using singing bowls.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon & The Ocean Resort Quy Nhon

The sister resorts are teaming up to offer a multi-day wellness retreat. Activities such as breath meditation, tai chi, qigong, and wellness workshops will take place in scenic venues, offering a deeply holistic wellness journey.

Fusion Suites Vung Tau

The “A Touch of Peace” workshop on June 22 will feature yoga breathwork, a singing-bowl meditation, and a reflective journaling session. The experience is designed to leave guests feeling calm, aware, and renewed.

HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong

From June 9 to 15, guests can enjoy a complimentary perilla juice with any dish—a refreshing mix of perilla leaves, ginger, and orange—celebrating wellness in simple, flavourful ways.

GLOW Mira Karon Beach (Thailand)

A sunset yoga session by the beach, just steps from the ocean, will be held at this Phuket resort. Led by a professional coach, the experience is complemented by rejuvenating spa treatments and a tranquil setting, ideal for family-friendly wellness escapes.

This June, Fusion welcomes guests to reconnect with their inner selves, soak in natural beauty, and celebrate a mindful lifestyle, one moment at a time.

Most Read In News

SpiceJet Marks 20 Years with Hip-Hop Safety Campaign Featuri...

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, SpiceJet has t...

Yuki Opens Fourth Outlet in Sarjapur with Signature Pan-Asia...

Yuki Cocktail Bar & Kitchen has officially opened its fourth...

IIHM Launches NamAIste – The World’s First Hospitality GPT, ...

The hospitality world just said NamAIste to a revolutionary ...

Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport Strengthens Leaders...

Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport has bolstered its l...

Western Sydney Convention Centre Partners with Encore for Next-Gen Events

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2025

The Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) at the Panthers Precinct has entered a landmark partnership with Encore, a global leader in event technology and creative production, to serve as its in-house event production partner.

This collaboration comes on the heels of WSCC’s recent expansion, bringing its total event space to over 4,000 sqm, strengthening the region’s role as a premier destination for business and tourism, especially with the Western Sydney International Airport set to open next year.

Encore’s involvement further raises the bar for the precinct, bringing in advanced AV and production equipment, particularly to upgraded spaces beyond the main 1,000-seat WSCC venue.

With access to AI-powered event technologies, bespoke production services, and the largest LED inventory in APAC, clients can expect seamless, immersive, and high-quality event experiences. The Encore team will work closely with WSCC’s planning teams to ensure every event is personalised and flawlessly executed.

Charles Young, General Manager of WSCC, stated,

“Encore brings an unmatched suite of cutting-edge technologies to help us deliver elevated client experiences. This new partnership reflects our commitment to excellence and forward-thinking conference and event hospitality.”

Katherine Pfahl, Senior Director of Strategic Commercial Partnerships, Encore APAC, added,

“Our advanced production capabilities and innovative services will elevate every event at the venue. We look forward to making a significant impact together.”

As Western Sydney continues to grow as a major events destination, this partnership represents a shared commitment to delivering quality, innovation, and premium service.