Accor has signed a development agreement with Amsa Hospitality to develop and franchise 18 hotels across second-tier cities within Saudi Arabia over the next 10 years.
The Saudi start-up company will develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living, and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, and act as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets.
Speaking at a press conference during Arabian Travel Market last week, Mohammad Alathel, CEO, Amsa Hospitality, said that the company is aligned with the Kingdom’s plan for the development of the country’s second-tier cities.
“Such an enterprising strategy must be accompanied by quality hospitality, offering the best international standards,” he said. “Committed as we are, we believe that Accor is the finest hospitality company to deliver the high level of guaranteed quality we are looking for, together with their wide choice of brands, giving us the ability to propose the optimum hospitality regarding each city environment.”
As part of the agreement, Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia.
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO, MEA & Asia Pacific – premium, midscale & economy division, Accor, remarked: “Securing a long-term relationship with Amsa Hospitality underscores our commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s tourism goals while maintaining the focus on the Arabian traditions and Arab culture that Amsa Hospitality is focused on delivering.”
