Saudi’s $110 bn hospitality project pipeline will be on spotlight at The Hotel & Hospitality Expo in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism industry is currently witnessing impressive growth. It has grown by 12 percent over its pre-pandemic size, a Saudi Ministry of Tourism statement said. By the end of this year, Saudi hopes to hit 30 million tourist arrivals.
Under its social and economic blueprint Vision 2030, Saudi hopes to attract 100 million tourists per year within the next decade.
The Hotel & Hospitality Expo will take place on September 10-12, 2023, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
Elaine O’Connell, vice president, Design and Hospitality of dmg events, organizers of the expo, commented, “We’ve modernized the event to reflect the latest trends in the industry, and we’re confident that this fresh approach will make it an even more engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”
Read: IHG Hotel & Resorts, STA to accelerate growth of tourism sector in Saud
Saudi hospitality projects
With its project pipeline, including 310,00 new rooms, Saudi leads the Middle East and African region. It is behind only China and the US in the global hotel construction market.
Backed by major investors, Saudi has invested billions in hotel construction and infrastructure. Moreover, it is also building new sustainable cities along its coasts and deserts that are attracting a swathe of foreign investment.
To further support its tourism goals, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund launched Riyadh Air earlier this year. The airline is Saudi’s second national carrier and targets to operate flights to more than 200 destinations.
Exciting series of events
The expo will feature a number of events, including the Hospitality Leaders’ Summit. This will bring together experts from across the Middle East to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector.
In addition, the expo’s advisory board, comprising some of Saudi Arabia’s top hospitality experts, conducted studies to identify the industry’s challenges and solutions. This initiative aims to help map out the future of the hotel and hospitality landscape in Saudi.
Among the significant results of the event’s research shows that sustainability, supply chain and logistics, and developing finance are among the key issues facing the sector. Other important highlights include cultivating skills and honing local talent that will drive the hospitality industry’s growth.
Another popular feature is returning this year. The Chefs’ Mystery Box Challenge will be participated in by 8-12 teams from the region’s leading hotels and restaurants. They will go head-to-head in a culinary battle as they create a three-course meal from a mystery ingredients box.
The Saudi Hospitality Talent Awards will also be part of the expo. It will recognize the skill, talent and sheer brilliance of hardworking individuals from the Saudi hospitality industry.
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