InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is continuing its drive to play a leading role in Saudi 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.

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.

“By the year 2020, it’s estimated that tourism may provide up to 900,000 jobs and account for more than 40 per cent of government positions,' said John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa.

The opening of Holiday Inn Al Khobar Corniche marks IHG’s 23rd property in the Kindgom with another four properties in the pipeline.

“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,” he said.

“Saudi Arabia has an enormous amount to offer in terms of foreign investment, and Al Khobar has become known as a truly international business centre,' added Mosaad Al Hokair, managing director, Al Hokair Group.

Dining options at the new property include Crystal, an all-day restaurant with a live cooking station that serves the finest international cuisine, apart from The Coffee Shop Company, a relaxing lounge with a variety of coffees, juices and snacks.

In 2007, IHG announced a $1 billion worldwide relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family.  In the first quarter of 2009, IHG relaunched one new hotel every day and on July 27 2009, the company announced the opening of its 1000th relaunched Holiday Inn hotel.-TradeArabia News Service