The Ascott Limited (Ascott), continues to extend its footprint in the Middle East to capture a bigger share of the market, by clinching contracts to manage another three properties in Saudi Arabia, including its first in the Islamic holy city of Makkah. The 280-unit Ascott Makkah, 92-unit Ascott Villas Riyadh and 69-unit Spectrums Residence in Jeddah are all slated to open in 2017.
In addition, Ascott is set to open Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, its first serviced residence in the Kingdom’s capital, as the company affirmed its leadership position in the Middle East with three wins at the recent World Travel Awards, including being named Middle East’s ‘Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’.
Mr Lee Chee Koon, Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Religious tourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry. In Saudi Arabia, religious tourism is valued at US$5.68 billion, with 19 million pilgrims having visited Makkah and Madinah in 2015, and this is further expected to reach 30 million by 20251. The strong partnerships we have forged in the Middle East have enabled us to accelerate Ascott’s expansion in the region to tap this growing market. Saudi conglomerate Abdul Samad Al Qurashi has entrusted Ascott to manage six serviced residences, the latest being Ascott Makkah and Spectrums Residence in Jeddah. We will further expand via management contracts in these gateway cities where we will continue to build scale. We aim to double our portfolio in the Middle East to 5,000 units by 2020.”
Mr Lee added: “Our partners recognize Ascott’s extensive capabilities in operating serviced residences and our global network of properties.”
The number of business and leisure travellers visiting the Middle East is also increasing, driven by government measures to diversify the region’s oil-based economy, attract foreign investments, develop tourism and infrastructure, and host large-scale international events such as the Dubai World Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022.
