InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is continuing its drive to play a leading role in Saudia Arabia's thriving tourism industry and has opened its second Holiday Inn in Al-Khobar. The 180-room Holiday Inn Al-Khobar Corniche, at the heart of the city's business district, also marks the sixth property in partnership with Al-Hokair Group. The opening of Holiday Inn Al-Khobar Corniche marks IHG's 23rd property in the Kingdom with another four properties in the pipeline. Saudi Arabia is one of the few tourist markets that has not only maintained growth but has ambitious long term plans that would make tourism and hospitality one of the country's main employers. John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa, said an even greater company presence in the Kingdom is essential. “By the year 2020, it's estimated that tourism may provide up to 900,000 jobs and account for more than 40% of government positions. It is our intention to support that growth throughout. The tourists include business as well as leisure travellers and Holiday Inn meets both their needs perfectly. “As the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, IHG has an excellent global track record in this mixed sector and Saudi Arabia is another market where we can demonstrate our strengths in the Middle East,” Bamsey added. “The Holiday Inn Al-Khobar Corniche has a business centre, two meeting rooms with a capacity of 120 people and a ballroom that can host up to 800 people. This is the perfect setting for MICE.” Mosaad Al-Hokair, managing director, Al Hokair Group, said Al-Khobar's second Holiday Inn is a great opportunity to be the city's dominant hospitality brand. “This is our sixth Holiday Inn with IHG, we share a great business relationship together. Saudi Arabia has an enormous amount to offer in terms of foreign investment, and Al-Khobar has become known as a truly international business center. Commercial interests – both domestic and overseas – have never been higher here. “Holiday Inn Al-Khobar Corniche will provide another great accommodation option, particularly for business travellers who travel not only across the Middle East, but across the world and have experienced Holiday Inn's hospitality”
