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.