Strategic projects in Aseer and partnerships with international luxury brands mark a major leap in developing the Kingdom’s diverse tourism landscape.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector received a massive boost as the Kingdom’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) unveiled a series of high-value deals totaling SR2.9 billion ($773 million) at the opening of the TOURISE 2025 forum.
The announcements signal aggressive government-backed efforts to accelerate the development of integrated tourist destinations, with a significant focus on transforming the Aseer region into a premier mountain destination.
Luxury Train and New Hotel Brands Headline Deals
A standout project is the agreement with Italian company Arsenale to launch “Dream of the Desert,” which will be the Middle East’s first luxury train. This mobile hotel will journey 1,300 km across Saudi Arabia, offering passengers a unique way to experience the nation’s diverse natural and cultural heritage.
The fund also signed memoranda of understanding to introduce prestigious international brands to the Saudi market. These include a deal with Spain’s Melia Hotels International for 1,000 new rooms and the introduction of its ZEL brand, and another with ina Hospitality to bring the exclusive Relais & Chateaux brand to the Kingdom for the first time.
Aseer Region Gains Over 1,200 New Hotel Keys
The investment portfolio features five major projects in the Aseer region, set to add 1,211 hotel rooms. The projects, announced in the presence of regional governor Prince Turki bin Talal, include Jared Aseer, Ard Al Dabab, Al-Hadhba Park, Westin Resort, and The House Residences. Future phases will also see developments under the Mantis hotel brand.
Further enriching the tourism ecosystem, the “Sareena” project was introduced, focusing on nature-based hospitality and creating new economic opportunities by linking tourist trails with local experiences.
These strategic moves by the TDF are designed to enhance the sector’s capacity, diversify the tourism experience, and solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as an emerging global tourism powerhouse.
