(TAN): Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed its 250th hotel in Saudi Arabia, a statement from the firm said.
The Taj-branded hotel is in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA). The hotel will be part of the Diriyah project, located in close proximity from downtown Riyadh, which envisions the location’s development as an international cultural and lifestyle destination inspired by the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
[ALSO READ: Orient Express La Dolce Vita pre booking to open on December 6]
IHCL MD and CEO Puneet Chhatwal said, “Announcing our 250th hotel today is a moment of great pride as it marks IHCL’s consistent and rapid portfolio expansion, with 100+ hotels signed over the past five years alone. The signing of this hotel is in line with IHCL’s strategy of being present in key markets across the globe, which includes the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is a popular travel route, especially among the Indian diaspora, and we believe that our presence in historic Diriyah will tap into the immense tourism potential of the destination.”
Featuring a combination of 205 rooms and suites, the Taj hotel will overlook the picturesque valley and palm groves of Wadi Hanifah, whilst being in close proximity to other key entertainment and cultural attractions. The luxury hotel will include an all-day dining restaurant, in addition to two speciality restaurants. Banqueting and conferencing facilities will make this hotel the perfect destination for business travellers, while a swimming pool, gym, wellness centre and spa will cater to both, leisure and business travellers.
[ALSO READ: Cultural tourism in focus at Madrid meeting]
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of DGDA, said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome the iconic Taj hotels to Diriyah, The City of Earth, and the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The 300-year-old site of Diriyah is located within Riyadh province, in close proximity to the north-west of downtown Riyadh. It is recognised as the symbolic centre of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the Kingdom since the foundation of the First Saudi State in 1727.
With the addition of this hotel, IHCL has five hotels in the Middle East including two under development.