THE number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach 308,000 by 2014, up from 230,000 in 2008, as efforts intensify to accommodate the projected 6.5 per cent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals in the country.
Religious tourism remains the main driver of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry with millions of Muslim pilgrims visiting the country annually, prompting a surge in development projects to boost tourism and hospitality infrastructure around religious sites.
Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana (pictured), a leading hotel in Saudi Arabia and the closest to the Holy Mosque in Makkah, has reported a continuing surge in visitor footfall as reflected by the increasing occupancy rate in its 426 luxurious rooms and suites.
General manager Hany Khorshid said: “Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana achieved a client satisfaction rate of 88 per cent up to this month. At the same time, we are maintaining our commitment to deliver the highest levels of service quality to our guests.
“With the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana is particularly preparing for tourists from the UAE, Kuwait, Turkey and Egypt, which are traditionally the biggest markets for visitors during this season.
New development projects are underway in the hotel as we expect a further boost in our occupancy rate, especially since this is the closest hotel to the Holy Mosques. We are now expanding our existing facilities and amenities which already include three world-class restaurants.”