Singapore’s Ascott Limited aims to have 20 properties in Saudi by 2020

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.

Read more: Saudi tourism commission calls for 48,000 new hotel 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.”

Also read: Saudi seeks Islamic tourism boost as it diversifies economy

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.