Recently, Marriott International and AlUla Development Company (UDC), which is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), signed a contract for the opening of an Autograph Collection hotel in Saudi Arabia. The hotel will be in the center of AlUla’s city center and is scheduled to open in 2025.
In the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the contract was signed by Naif AlHamdan, Managing Director of UDC, and Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International.
The 22,635 square meter Autograph Collection hotel will be located in the heart of AlUla, next to the AlUla Museum and just across from the Farmer’s Market. 250 guest rooms and suites are planned for the hotel, along with a variety of recreational and entertainment amenities like four dining options, a spa, a swimming pool, a fitness facility, a business center, meeting spaces, and retail space.
AlUla Development Company’s managing director, Naif AlHamdan, said of the deal: “We are delighted to join with Marriott International to open an Autograph Collection hotel in AlUla. This partnership supports our goal of improving AlUla’s hospitality, tourism, and real estate industries and providing visitors with an outstanding experience. In accordance with PIF’s strategy and Vision 2030, AlUla Development Company is dedicated to enhancing AlUla’s exceptional heritage, history, and natural beauty through sustainable development and will support the Kingdom’s goals of economic diversification and tourism. This is just another step in that direction.
Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International, said: “We are pleased to cooperate with AlUla Development Company to introduce Autograph Collection Hotels to an intriguing destination for travelers from around the world to discover in Saudi Arabia. “We look forward to establishing this relationship with UDC and keeping up our support for the expansion of the Saudi Arabian tourism industry.”
With its own sense of location and history, AlUla is a perfect fit for the chosen resorts that promote individuality featured by the Signature Collection Hotels. We’re excited to bring a unique perspective on hospitality and design to this burgeoning region, said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Middle East Lodging Development, Marriott International.
Over 290 hotels are currently included in the Autograph Collection’s inventory. Each hotel is unique and exceptional since it is the result of passion and a unique realization of its particular founder’s vision. The hand-selected Autograph Collection Hotels provide rich immersive experiences that create a lasting impression.
Source- Travel daily
Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/alula-development-company-signs-agreement-with-marriott-international-to-bring-autograph-collection-hotels-to-alula-in-saudi-arabia/