IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels, across 18 distinct brands, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) at the Arabian Travel Market 2023.
The MOU provides a framework for both entities to explore methods to increase inbound visitation to Saudi Arabia from key markets across the Middle East and Africa region. This includes developing customized promotions, joint marketing campaigns, and promotion through loyalty programs which will showcase Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s most exciting destinations to an international audience.
The MOU was signed at the Saudi pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 held in Dubai, by James Britchford, Vice President of Commercial at IHG for India, Middle East, and Africa, and Munirah Abanomy, Head of Marketing Partnership for Middle East & Africa at Saudi Tourism Authority.
Read more: IHG Hotels and Resorts’ growth trajectory, sustainability journey
With Saudi Arabia targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, the Kingdom is a priority market for IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. The hospitality group aims to support the tourism sector in the country by growing the footprint of its existing brands, as well as introducing new brands from its global portfolio, in addition to running campaigns to promote various destinations within the country. IHG also plans to further support the Kingdom’s economic Vision by investing in developing Saudi talent in the Kingdom, with an ambition to hire 6,000 nationals across its growing portfolio by 2030.
Tourism boost
James Britchford, Vice President, Commercial, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “Collaborations with key government entities, such as the STA, enable us to position and promote attractive destinations and exciting tourism offerings that the country has developed, to our guests across markets.”
Abdulkarim Aldarwish – President of Middle East & Africa Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, commented: “Such partnerships enhance the efforts of the Saudi Tourism Authority in attracting tourists and enriching their experience by providing best-in-class products, offers, and packages.”
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