Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Based on the latest report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Middle East travel and tourism is set to grow by 28.1 per cent in 2022, representing a further boost of $ 47 billion.

Dubai-based Luxury Explorers’ Collection has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia.  The firm’s first foray into investing outside the UAE will see firm launching five new premium rentals in Makkah beginning next month.

 “Governments in the region have put a lot of efforts in diversifying the economy away from oil and a vital sector that has consistently been mapped in strategies for transformative development, particularly in the GCC, has been tourism,” said Mohammed Sultan, CEO for Luxury Explorers’ Collection.  “Taking our brand to Saudi Arabia is not only an important part of our strategic vision, but it is a testament as well to our commitment to support tourism and hospitality’s path to recovery, and ultimately, long-term growth.”

Sultan revealed that introducing Luxury Explorers’ Collection to Makkah market will give them the right exposure in Saudi Arabia. “Our Makkah properties will have spacious apartments and penthouses accessible to Haram and with an uninterrupted Kaaba view. We will also offer full concierge services, including in-house chef, delivery attendants, butlers, and housekeeping staff,” he added.

 “On top of this, we are already developing a more forward-looking strategy for future investments in the Kingdom, in which we plan to expand in Riyadh to serve the corporate markets and families for holidays and weekends in the capital.  This is also in the hope of supporting the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which has set an ambitious target of 100 million tourists by 2030,” Sultan continued.

 “We always have this vision to re-imagine and re-invent the way people enjoy their holiday break, and Covid-19 opened up a unique opportunity for us to realise this vision. We were quick to recognise the need for exclusive properties without compromising the luxury lifestyle,” Sultan added.