AccorHotels, one of the world’s leading hotel operators, is expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia  with the opening of ibis Styles Makkah - the first international economy hotel brand to open in the holy city.

Developed with strategic partner Alesayi Group, a prominent business conglomerate with commercial investments across multiple-sectors, the new hotel’s opening underscores the increase in demand for internationally recognized economy hotel options in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
 
The 286-room economy-branded property was opened ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr to cater to the kingdom’s growing religious tourism segment. Ibis Styles Makkah is also the first hotel to open as a result of AccorHotels’ strategic agreement with Alesayi Group, which will also include the introduction of seven ibis properties across the kingdom by 2018.
 
Olivier Granet, managing director and chief operating officer of AccorHotels Middle East and Africa (MEA), said: “We are delighted with the successful opening of ibis Styles Makkah, marking a turning point with a completely new approach towards international quality standards, and addressing the growing need for economy and midscale hotels in the holy city.” He further added, “As the first operational hotel with the Alesayi Group, this trusted partnership has also strengthened AccorHotels’ position as the largest hotel operator in the kingdom.”
   
Ahmed Elfakharany, managing director of Alesayi Hospitality Company, added: “In accordance with Saudi Vision 2030, the strategy of Alesayi Hospitality company is to develop a network of hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a commitment to offering our customers the best international quality service at very competitive prices. The success of the ibis Styles Makkah only strengthens our drive to introduce greater variety through branded economy, midscale and luxury properties within the Kingdom. Through our strategic alliance with AccorHotels, we hope to achieve this goal.”

Ibis Styles Makkah is centrally located in the Al Aziziyah area, in close proximity to the Holy Masjid Al Haram and with easy access to El Mashaer in minan. Given its convenient location, the ibis Styles Makkah has become a popular choice for guests visiting the city.
 
The 286-room property offers guests a lively and friendly atmosphere coupled with the comforts of home through large beds and complimentary wi-fi services. The hotel has proven popular with guests through amenities designed to serve visitors to the Holy City such as an in-house mosque for both women and men. The all-inclusive hotel features a number of innovative food and beverage options including two specialty restaurants – Zurna and Al Suroor – alongside a lobby lounge offering international buffet and à la carte options.     
 
Salah Oumouden, vice president operations, Economy and Midscale of AccorHotels Saudi Arabia and Egypt added: “Since its opening, ibis Styles Makkah has welcomed scores of visitors with its strong brand approach towards international standards, all part of the ibis Styles DNA.”

He further added: “As Saudi Arabia continues to invest significantly in the religious tourism sector, AccorHotels is determined to expand the presence of our world-class properties with our trusted partner, the Alesayi Group.”  
 
The ibis Styles Makkah joins AccorHotels’ rapidly growing ibis brand family, along with ibis and ibis budget. Ibis Styles hotels are individually designed to offer excellent value with the highest level of comfort. Each property hosts a different style, yet retains three complementary values of being modern, simple and focused on well-being. The ibis Styles Makkah joins three other ibis Styles properties under operation in the Middle East in addition to nine others under development.    
 
AccorHotels has 60 hotels in Saudi Arabia in operation and pipeline. In the Middle East, AccorHotels currently operates 96 hotels encompassing upwards to 30,000 rooms across the luxury to economy segments. The group’s regional network is expected to double in number, bringing over 25,000 additional rooms to the Middle East. - TradeArabia News Service