Singapore’s Ascott Limited Aims to Have 20 Properties in Saudi Arabia by 2020

Press release

Published September 10th, 2017 - 06:42 GMT

The company, which currently operates five properties with 608 keys in the kingdom and seven in the pipeline, aims to increase its presence to 20 properties by 2020. (GB)

Singapore-based serviced residences operator Ascott Limited has announced plans for rapid expansion in Saudi Arabia.

The company, which currently operates five properties with 608 keys in the kingdom and seven in the pipeline, aims to increase its presence to 20 properties (operational and in the pipeline) by 2020, it said in a statement.

The company will focus on primary cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, with plans to expand further into secondary cities within the next five years, in line with the Saudi government’s plan of decentralisation, it said.

Saudi Arabia’s Commission for Tourism and National Heritage expects tourist numbers to reach 140 million by 2020 and last year called for more than 48,000 new hotels rooms.

“As Saudi Arabia plans to expand its tourism industry, including the recent announcement to transform a 200km stretch of coastline on the Red Sea, Ascott Limited is looking to support and contribute to the country’s new agenda,” it said.

The kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan has listed the developed of 1,300 islands – 1,150 in the Red Sea and 150 in the Arabian Gulf – as a development goal for the tourism sector.

The commission has identified 75 islands for tourism investment with Jabal Al-Laith island near Al-Laith principality in particular identified as a potential location to attract large numbers of Haj and Umrah pilgrims once developed.

Vincent Miccolis, area general manager for the Middle East and Turkey said: “We welcome Saudi Arabia’s strong plans to enhance its tourism industry, particularly noting the desire to expand the serviced residence sector.

“With the recent news that a long section of the Red Sea coastline is going to be developed, there will be even more opportunities for hospitality providers to grow in Saudi Arabia.”

Ascott Limited has expanded its presence across the Middle East from three operating properties in 2014 to 10 properties with 1,487 keys at present.

Source: Gulf Business

Background Information

Ascott Limited

We make the world work for you. Prepare to discover a variety of ways you can feel at home every day while discovering a new city. With centrally located properties sited among the world’s most bustling cities and neighbourhoods, our residences provide top-tier comfort and convenience for intrepid travellers pursuing work-related or leisurely commitments.

With any of our residences, enjoy an ease of access to the world’s prime destinations and hotspots without compromising on your lifestyle. Welcome to Ascott The Residence – where you live the way you want, and stay for as long as you wish.

We offer an experience you would not want to leave. Through a variety of luxurious accommodation, comprehensive guest facilities and services, we make living easy and take care of the everyday details - giving you more time to focus on the more important aspects of your travels.