Saudi Arabia Tourism News
Jaan Albrecht, chief executive, Saudi Arabian Airlines
Breaking Travel News talks to Jaan Albrecht, the newly appointed chief executive of Saudi Arabian Airlines, about his ambitious plans to grow the carrier. Also on the agenda is the significance of aviation to the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 – the plan to diversify the economy about from oil and expand the tourism sector.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts plans new hotel in Saudi Arabia
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has entered into a management agreement with Karan Gulf Services, for a new hotel within Saudi Arabia’s Wa’ad Al Shamal industrial city.
Qatar Airways expands Saudi Arabia flight options
Qatar Airways will start services to Yanbu in Saudi Arabia on May 9th, with flights to Tabuk following on June 19th. The airline will offer three-weekly flights to each destination.
Saudia adds Riyadh departures to Manchester schedule
Saudia has announced a twice weekly service from Manchester Airport to Riyadh. Launching on June 23rd, the service complements the current offer of five flights a week to Jeddah. Passengers can now fly direct to Saudi Arabia seven days a week.
Radisson Blu Residence opens in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
The Rezidor Hotel Group is introducing its first residence property in Dhahran, bringing the brand to Saudi Arabia for the first time. With 92 stylish and sophisticated apartments, a restaurant and a gym, guests will find everything they need to feel at home at the Radisson Blu Residence, Dhahran.
VisitBritain opens Saudi Arabia outpost
Britain’s national tourism body VisitBritain has opened a new office in Riyadh to attract more visitors from Saudi Arabia to the UK, making it the first Western tourism board to establish a presence in the country.
Etihad Airways adds third daily flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Etihad Airways is introducing a third daily flight on the Abu Dhabi-Riyadh route, effective from the start of February. The extra services underscore the airline’s commitment to offer guests greater choice and more travel options between the capital cities of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Travelport partners with Al Hashim in Saudi Arabia
Travelport and Al Hashim Travel have announced a new, exclusive, long term agreement. Al Hashim Travel is located in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, with ten branches in the region. The agency is also set to expand across in Saudi Arabia in 2017.
Minor Hotels to take Anantara brand in Saudi Arabia with Jeddah property
Minor Hotels has announced the debut of its luxury Anantara brand in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Scheduled to open in 2019, Anantara Jeddah Resort will be located on the waterfront in Obhur in the city’s upmarket northern district and will offer 226 guest rooms and 102 two to five bedroom villas.
Hajj demand places Saudi tourism on upward trajectory
Inbound arrivals to Saudi Arabia will reach over 20 million by 2020, as the religious tourism sector flourishes in line with increasing demand to join the annual Hajj pilgrimage, according to consumer insight firm Canadean. The company’s latest report finds that the Hajj represents a major tourism opportunity for both domestic and international stakeholders, particularly hotel groups and tour operators, as over two million pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia in September to visit Islam’s holiest site in Mecca.
Rotana welcomes Centro brand to Saudi Arabia
Rotana has officially announced the opening of Centro Shaheen Jeddah, the group’s first property under the “Centro by Rotana” brand to open in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SHUAA Capital is the Fund Manager and Developer of this joint project.Located on Madinah Road, just 20 minutes away from King Abdulaziz International Airport, Centro Shaheen offers 252 contemporary designed rooms and studios with stylish bathrooms, the latest technology and in-room entertainment options.
Etihad Airways deploys Boeing 787 on Riyadh route
Etihad Airways is to deploy a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on one of its twice-daily scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, with effect from October 30th. The upgrade from a single aisle Airbus A321 aircraft will cater to strong demand to and from the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering guests more seats on a wide-body aircraft.