This earnings season, global travel leaders have agreed that the industry is in a slowdown. An exception to that, however, has been the Middle East, which bosses like Accor’s Sebastien Bazin noted was the operator’s best-performing region in the second quarter.
Saudi Arabia's World Cup Bid Reveals New Plans for Hotels, Stadiums, Airports
02.08.2024 - 07:49 / skift.com / Alan Woinski / Josh Corder
Saudi Arabia has submitted its bid to host the men’s football World Cup in 2034, and for the first time has laid out goals for development of hotels, stadiums, and other parts of its travel economy.
Saudi’s 245-page “bid book” calls for tens of thousands of additional hotel rooms, 11 new stadiums, and cities built from the ground up.
For now, these are ambitious goals, and a lot of work and investment will be required to deliver on them. Projects that were part of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2030 Vision have not had clear timelines and there have been reports of delays.
Saudi proposes that it would host the event across Riyadh, Neom, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Abha. The opening match and the final would take place in Riyadh.
FIFA also has new rules around human rights and worker safety, related to the construction of stadiums, hotels, and airports. These grew out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where migrant workers died due to unsafe working conditions. Saudi’s bid book devotes 15 pages to sustainability and human rights.
The bid book does not mention alcohol, which is banned in Saudi Arabia.
Here are some of the biggest promises Saudi Arabia is making:
The bid book reveals how many hotels Saudi Arabia is building, when they are opening, and how many are luxury. Saudi says it already has “over 45,000 hotel rooms in alignment with FIFA requirements across the host cities,” with more than 185,000 additional rooms” opening by 2034.
Here is the breakdown in star ratings:
One table gives insight into how Saudi’s hotel market could look in a decade, including an upcoming boom in four-star hotel development. For example, Neom is planning over 9,000 five-star hotel rooms, 8,000 four-star and 5,000 three-star.
The document also reveals planned opening dates: For example, a “luxury Fifa venue hotel” at Neom is slated for completion in 2032. A separate “ultra-luxury” hotel at The Line – Neom’s proposed 170-kilometer-long indoor city, is also meant to open in 2032.
“A big risk for adding such a big supply of rooms for a major event like the World Cup or the Olympics is what happens afterward,” said Alan Woinski, editor of the Skift publication, Daily Lodging Report. “There have been instances of the rooms sitting empty, forcing owners to convert to apartments or mixed-use eventually.”
The Saudis say the developments “first district” will be ready before 2034. It states: “All FIFA World Cup 2034 activities in Neom will take place in the first district of The Line, which will be fully operational in advance of the Competition.”
“On arrival near the event sites, passengers will be able to travel quickly to their destinations by short walks or high-speed shuttles. A wide range of accommodation will be
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Autors
Popular Topics
breakingtravelnews.com
09.08.2024 / 08:07
Launch of the Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP)
Today, the Board of Directors of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, announced the launch of the Reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP).
skift.com
07.08.2024 / 13:02
Neom's ‘Ground X’ Tracks Progress to Build Investor Trust
Saudi Arabia wants investors to know its ambitious Neom development is on track.
travelpulse.com
06.08.2024 / 20:12
TravelPulse Podcast: What's New With Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!
insider.com
06.08.2024 / 16:02
I flew on a new all-business-class airline from Italy to the Maldives. It's worth splurging for, even with the odd fuel stop.
I wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of the airline Beond.
breakingtravelnews.com
04.08.2024 / 07:17
Discover Saudi’s newest World Heritage Site
Set in a strategic point of the ancient trade routes that used to crisscross the Heart of Arabia and abruptly abandoned around the 5th century CE, the site of Al-Faw – which includes the vestige of the city of Qaryat al-Faw – is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. This historic site offers a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage and culture of Saudi, a land of discovery and endless possibilities. Almost 12,000 archeological remains have been found from prehistoric times to late pre-Islamic area testifying to the successive occupation of at least three different populations stretching more than 6,000 years. Once a thriving trade hub at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes, Al-Faw’s well-preserved ruins and water management system, tools and artifacts, intricate carvings, make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
breakingtravelnews.com
04.08.2024 / 06:38
Action-Packed Fun Awaits at Riyadh’s Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh is not just about thrilling competitive gaming; it’s an all-encompassing festival of fun, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a die-hard gamer, a casual player, or just looking for some family-friendly entertainment, there’s something exciting for every age and skill level. Check out these top activities at the Esports World Cup that you won’t want to miss, perfect for filling the time between matches or jumping in to play yourself:
skift.com
02.08.2024 / 16:57
Atlantis Resorts Names New President for its Dubai Properties
Atlantis Resorts will name Paul Baker as its new president, according to an internal memo obtained by Skift that was written by Philippe Zuber, the CEO of Kerzner International, the operator of the Atlantis brand.
skift.com
02.08.2024 / 07:49
Spirit's Rough Quarter, New Junk Fees Ban and Saudi's World Cup Plans
Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, August 2, 2024, and now here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
thepointsguy.com
31.07.2024 / 14:52
Disney Cruise Line reveals new villain-inspired spaces and characters coming to Disney Destiny in 2025
A voyage aboard the Disney Destiny will be a unique one within the growing Disney Cruise Line. Unlike the line's current newest ship, Disney Wish, where the theme is one of enchantment with very Cinderella-inspired beauty and light everywhere you turn, Disney Destiny, which sets sail in 2025, has an intriguing "darker" side, too.
breakingtravelnews.com
31.07.2024 / 07:10
Wildfires Increasingly Disrupt Camping Plans, Especially in the Pacific Northwest
The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping availability, photos and reviews, has found that 18% of campers reported that wildfires or natural disasters disrupted their camping plans in 2023. That’s three times more than the 6% who said their plans were disrupted in 2019, and indicates a steady rise over the past five years.
skift.com
30.07.2024 / 17:47
Extreme Heat in Dubai, Extreme Price Drops in Hotels
It was 104°F last week in Dubai, 106°F in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi temperatures rose past 120°F in June.