Accor, a leading hospitality group, is making significant strides in the Middle East region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. With a strong brand presence and a commitment to empowering local talent, Accor is strategically positioned to solidify its leadership and continue to accelerate growth in this thriving market.
At the recent Future Hospitality Summit in Saudi Arabia, Accor showcased its ambitious growth plans for the region. The tourism sector in the GCC is projected to experience a growth rate of 13.6% from 2022 to 2032, with a potential market value of 65.5 billion USD. Accor is responding to the dynamic shifts in travel preferences and consumer needs, focusing on sustainable travel, family-friendly experiences, bleisure, and staycations.
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific division at Accor, emphasized the importance of solidifying their leadership in the region and developing the largest integrated hospitality ecosystem. The company prioritizes strong partnerships with owners and a bespoke approach to development projects to match partners with the right brands.
In Saudi Arabia, Accor is deeply rooted in building the future of tourism in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. With a portfolio of 41 operating hotels and plans to add over 45 more by 2030, Accor is set to solidify its leadership across all segments. The company is expanding its footprint in second-wave cities through a master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality, aiming to develop midscale and economy brands in fast-growing locales.
Exciting opportunities lie ahead for Accor in Saudi Arabia, including the launch of new brands like TRIBE and Handwritten, as well as the expansion of lifestyle offerings within giga projects such as The Red Sea, AlUla, and NEOM. The company is set to introduce iconic luxury and lifestyle brands like Raffles, Fairmont, and SLS in these developments, redefining hospitality experiences in the region.
In the UAE, Accor continues to demonstrate leadership and dynamic growth, with recent achievements including the opening of the first Pullman resort on Al Marjan Island. The company is capitalizing on emerging trends in Dubai, particularly in lifestyle branded residential offerings, to solidify its position as a driving force in the hospitality industry.
In Qatar, Accor is committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Key developments include the opening of iconic properties like Raffles and Fairmont Doha, as well as innovative concepts like Accor Living Adventure tailored for the World Cup. The collaboration with Rixos Gulf to introduce the first all-inclusive resort in Doha further showcases Accor’s commitment to redefining luxury and service standards in the region.
As Accor continues to expand its presence and elevate the hospitality landscape in the Middle East, the company remains dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences to residents and travelers alike. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and local empowerment, Accor is poised to shape the future of hospitality in the region.