The Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb recently welcomed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hyatt International Tom Pritzker at his office in Riyadh. During the meeting, the minister expressed his excitement regarding Hyatt International’s plans to expand its presence in the Kingdom by building new hotels and increasing the hotel capacity from 1,700 rooms to 5,000 rooms over the next five years. Al-Khateeb highlighted that this expansion will greatly contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure. Additionally, they discussed the opportunities for Hyatt Hotels to contribute to training and employing Saudi personnel as part of the ministry’s efforts to empower Saudis in the tourism sector.
As part of the Kingdom’s commitment to developing the tourism sector and providing world-class services, the Ministry of Tourism aims to attract distinguished international hotels, such as Hyatt Hotels. Al-Khateeb mentioned that the ministry’s goal is to increase the number of hotel rooms to more than 550,000 by 2030 in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. This vision seeks to attract 150 million tourists by 2030 and increase the tourist sector’s contribution to the GDP by 10 percent. The minister emphasized that the ongoing prosperity and development in the tourism sector in the Kingdom present numerous opportunities for growth and investment.
Pritzker commended the Kingdom’s infrastructure development in the tourism sector and noted the excellent facilities provided to investors in Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that these facilities have encouraged Hyatt International to expand in various tourist destinations within the country. The partnership between Hyatt Hotels and the Ministry of Tourism reflects a mutual commitment to further developing the tourist sector in the Kingdom and providing exceptional hospitality services for visitors. This collaboration is in line with the Kingdom’s efforts to attract more tourists and boost the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy.
The expansion of Hyatt International in the Kingdom will not only increase the availability of hotel rooms but also enhance the overall tourism experience for visitors. By offering more accommodation options and world-class services, Hyatt Hotels will contribute to attracting a diverse range of tourists to Saudi Arabia. This expansion aligns with the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a leading global tourist destination and diversifying its economy. The increased investment and development in the tourism sector also create job opportunities for Saudi nationals, supporting the government’s efforts to empower local talent and promote economic growth.
In addition to expanding its hotel capacity, Hyatt International’s focus on training and employing Saudi personnel is a significant step towards enhancing the skills and capabilities of the local workforce in the tourism sector. By partnering with international hotel chains like Hyatt Hotels, the Ministry of Tourism can ensure that Saudi nationals have access to training programs and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. This collaboration not only benefits the local community but also contributes to the overall sustainability and growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom. It reflects the shared commitment of both the government and private sector to promote economic development and create a thriving tourism environment in Saudi Arabia.
Overall, the meeting between Minister Al-Khateeb and Chairman Pritzker signals a positive step towards further enhancing the tourism sector in the Kingdom. The collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Hyatt International demonstrates a shared vision for promoting growth, investment, and job creation in the hospitality industry. By working together to expand hotel capacity, provide training opportunities for Saudi personnel, and offer world-class services to visitors, both parties are contributing to the realization of the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. With a focus on sustainable development and economic diversification, the partnership between Hyatt Hotels and the Ministry of Tourism will undoubtedly strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading global tourist destination.
