The hospitality sector in the Kingdom is one of the pillars of the national economy given the influx of millions of pilgrims every year to the Two Holy Mosques. The growing prosperity of this vital sector reflects the strength of the Saudi economy. This is in line with the government’s continued efforts to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.

Recent reports indicate that the hospitality industry can expect a promising future, with its estimated value reaching SR349 billion ($93 billion) over the next five years. On the other hand, the Hospitality Industry Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that about 300 thousand jobs in various hospitality establishments in the Kingdom are currently available.

Mr. Mohamad Haj Hassan, Area Vice President of Rotana in KSA, Sudan, Egypt, Iraq and Bahrain, in charge of Rotana’s Al Marwa Rayhaan, one of the most prestigious hotels in Makkah, explained that the projections indicate that the hotels and tourism sector will contribute significantly to the growth of the hospitality market in the Kingdom over the next five years.

Haj Hassan commented: "Religious tourism and also domestic tourism, which accounts for more than 65% of the passengers traffic in Saudi Arabia, are supported by the high purchasing power of local consumers and the government’s efforts to promote the Kingdom as one of the leading tourist destinations in the region, in addition to the great importance of the Two Holy Mosques in the hearts of Muslims around the world.”

It is expected that the hotel market will experience very strong growth from now until through 2017, with spending on projects increasing by 24% during that period. This is followed closely by the tourism market with expectations of 23% growth during the same period, according to research conducted by Euromonitor. Thus, companies across the region are searching for ways to participate in this boom.

Most prestigious of the Rotana Hotels in the Kingdom is Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana-Makkah, was created to set new high standards of hospitality in the booming Umrah and Hajj market. It features competitive prices and offers panoramic views of the Haram and the Kaaba. The hotel is infused with an atmosphere of tranquility and guests can perform their rituals in comfort while staying in one of the more than 480 luxurious guest rooms, a number of them featuring views of the Haram al-Sharif. The rooms are all well-appointed and make guests feel at home. The design of Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana ensures the highest standards of comfort and luxury, and is consistent with the values of contemporary Arab culture, while attributes of ancient Islamic heritage are manifested, as well.

Rotana recently announced its expansion plan, which includes new hotel rooms to be added to the hospitality sector in the Kingdom before the end of 2017 generating more than 1,000 new jobs for Saudi youth in the hospitality industry. This confirms Rotana's commitment to contribute to the training and rehabilitation of national cadres and enable them to join this vital sector. Rotana will provide a work environment that stimulates the nature of creativity, innovation and excellence.

It is expected during the second quarter of the year 2015, that Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana will open in the capital Riyadh. One priority is to choose a strategic location so that the new hotel is close to many of the well-known shopping malls on Olaya Street. It will also feature the full-line of amenities that are expected of all Rotana hotels.