Abha to Welcome First Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in Saudi Arabia
Get ready, Abha! A luxurious lifestyle hotel is on its way to the city in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region through a groundbreaking deal with American operator Valor Hospitality.
Breaking Ground in Abha
Valor Hospitality, known for overseeing major brand hotels like Intercontinental, Marriott, and Hilton, is set to enter secondary and tertiary markets with a focus on “outer regions.” Co-founder Julien Bergue shared during the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh that a deal has been signed to develop a unique upscale property in Abha, marking the first lifestyle hotel in the area.
Exciting Times Ahead
Bergue expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that Saudi Arabia presents a specific market opportunity that Valor has been eager to tap into for years. With plans to target secondary and tertiary regions, the company aims to support the growth of the hospitality industry in these areas.
Investing in Future Talent
Valor Hospitality is not only focused on property development but also on nurturing talent in the Kingdom. They are partnering with the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Investment Fund to establish a training academy for young Saudis interested in the sector. The goal is to bridge the gap between industry growth and the skilled workforce needed to support it.
Short-Term Training for Long-Term Success
The training academy will offer technical skills programs, such as housekeeping, to equip participants with the necessary tools to excel in hospitality operations. The aim is to enroll a thousand participants monthly through an aggressive short-term program.
Future Vision
Looking ahead to 2030, Valor Hospitality’s ultimate goal is to manage properties with 6,000 to 7,000 keys under their management. The company is committed to driving growth and innovation in the Saudi Arabian hospitality industry.