Saudi Arabia announced a project to convert a series of historic palaces into super-luxury hotels, one more step in its strategy to open up to international tourism and attract high-income travelers.
Like other recent initiatives in the tourism sector, the project, called the Boutique Group, was presented by the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Salman, and is financed by the multimillion-dollar Saudi Investment Fund in cooperation with the private sector, the agency reported. Saudi official news, SPA.
Its objective is to “revive the national heritage with the authentic culture of the kingdom and provide an exceptional and unique hospitality experience,” said the agency, which did not specify the cost of the project.
In the first phase of the project, three historic buildings will be developed, such as the Al Hamra Palace in the port city of Jeddah (west), a construction of Arab and Islamic architecture that has served in recent years to host international personalities and that will include 33 suites and 44 luxury villas.
In Riyadh there is, in the diplomatic quarter, the Tuwaiq Palace, which recreates an oasis, has been used for state receptions and cultural and artistic festivals and will have 40 suites and 56 villas, and, in the old town, the Al Ahmar Palace, former seat of the Saudi Council of Ministers, with 46 suites and 25 luxury rooms.
The three palace-hotels will have international restaurants, a relaxing atmosphere, modern leisure centers and other exclusive and special services for visitors, SPA added without disclosing the expected cost of these accommodations.
The Governor of the Investment Fund, Yaser al Rumayan, trusted that Boutique Group will contribute to diversifying tourism opportunities in the Saudi market and improve the kingdom’s position regionally and internationally as a leading tourist and cultural destination in line with the objectives of the Vision2030″.
This strategy promoted by the crown prince seeks to open the ultra-conservative Arab kingdom to the outside world and diversify its economy, which is highly dependent on oil.
Bin Salman has announced several luxury tourism projects worth tens of billions of dollars in recent years, including the futuristic city of Neom in the northwest of the kingdom or a set of hotels on 22 virgin islands in the Red Sea.
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