BWH Hotels to Launch Eight New Properties in Saudi Arabia

At the Future Hospitality Summit 2025, BWH Hotels made a significant announcement that underscores its growing commitment to the Middle East, revealing plans to open eight new properties across key Saudi Arabian cities, including Riyadh and Jeddah.

 This expansion marks a strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global tourism and investment hub while reducing economic reliance on oil. The move by BWH Hotels, a globally recognized hospitality brand, is a testament to the Kingdom’s evolving travel landscape and increasing attractiveness to international investors and developers.

The announcement came during a high-profile session at the summit, which attracted hospitality leaders, policymakers, and real estate developers from around the world. The new properties, set to open over the next few years, will span various segments of BWH’s diversified portfolio—from upscale and boutique hotels to more affordable accommodations catering to the growing demand from domestic and international travelers. Executives from BWH emphasized that this expansion is not only about increasing room inventory but also about introducing globally benchmarked hospitality standards and enriching guest experiences through personalized service and technology integration.

Riyadh and Jeddah, the cities earmarked for most of the upcoming developments, are at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation. Riyadh, as the administrative and financial capital, is experiencing a surge in business travel and infrastructure upgrades, including new transportation networks and cultural initiatives. Meanwhile, Jeddah, a historic port city with access to the Red Sea, is becoming a magnet for leisure tourism, especially with the development of the Jeddah Central Project and proximity to the religious tourism centers of Makkah and Madinah. BWH Hotels’ presence in both cities is intended to cater to this dual nature of demand—business and leisure—and will contribute to the enhancement of hospitality offerings in both urban centers.

A central theme in the BWH Hotels announcement was alignment with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term roadmap for economic diversification and social reform. Tourism is a major pillar of this strategy, with the government setting ambitious goals to attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030. To support this vision, the Saudi government has introduced regulatory reforms, eased visa restrictions, and invested heavily in tourism-related infrastructure. BWH Hotels, recognizing these developments, sees Saudi Arabia as a vital part of its global expansion strategy and is committed to supporting the country’s hospitality ecosystem by providing high-quality lodging options and creating job opportunities for local talent.

The new properties will also reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and local culture. According to company representatives, each hotel will incorporate environmentally friendly practices, from energy-efficient design to waste reduction programs, in line with global ESG standards and Saudi Arabia’s own environmental goals. Additionally, the properties will be designed to reflect the cultural richness of their respective locations, ensuring that guests enjoy an immersive experience that balances international quality with local heritage. Whether through architecture, food offerings, or curated guest experiences, BWH aims to create spaces that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s unique identity while delivering world-class service.

Another aspect of the expansion is its contribution to the Kingdom’s job creation targets. With each new hotel comes the opportunity to employ hundreds of workers, both during construction and once operational. BWH Hotels stated that it will work closely with local institutions and hospitality training centers to develop talent pipelines and support the professional growth of Saudi nationals in the hospitality industry. This initiative aligns with the Saudization policy, which prioritizes employment of Saudi citizens in various sectors, including tourism and hospitality. By investing in human capital, BWH is positioning itself not only as a hospitality provider but also as a long-term partner in the country’s socio-economic development.

The Future Hospitality Summit provided an ideal platform for this announcement, as it gathers influential voices shaping the future of global travel and tourism. The event has become a cornerstone for forging strategic partnerships, launching new initiatives, and aligning industry priorities with broader governmental visions. BWH Hotels’ participation and its ambitious expansion plan were received with optimism by attendees, many of whom noted that the move signals increasing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential. With growing international interest and the rapid development of giga-projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and AlUla, the Kingdom is quickly establishing itself as one of the world’s most dynamic new tourism frontiers.

BWH Hotels, formerly known as Best Western Hotels & Resorts, has a strong global presence with a portfolio spanning over 100 countries. Its entry into Saudi Arabia with multiple new properties highlights a broader trend of established international brands making strategic bets on the Kingdom’s hospitality future. This wave of investment is seen not just as a commercial opportunity but also as a contribution to a national vision that seeks to reshape the economy, inspire a new generation of professionals, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality to the world.

The company also emphasized its intention to contribute to the digital transformation of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. With guest expectations evolving rapidly, BWH Hotels plans to implement advanced digital solutions across its Saudi properties, including smart room technologies, AI-powered concierge services, and app-based room management. These innovations are designed to enhance the customer journey, from booking and check-in to in-room service and post-stay engagement. By leveraging technology, the brand aims to set a new benchmark for service delivery in the Kingdom’s emerging hospitality market.

The expansion announcement is also expected to stimulate further interest from other hotel chains, developers, and investors. As BWH Hotels takes the lead in planting deeper roots in the region, it sets a precedent for how global brands can engage meaningfully with Vision 2030. With the country on track to meet or even exceed its tourism-related goals, opportunities abound not only in accommodation but in the broader value chain, including F\&B, entertainment, transportation, and cultural experiences. The ripple effects of this expansion are likely to be felt across multiple sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom’s place on the global tourism map.

In conclusion, BWH Hotels' plan to launch eight new properties across Saudi Arabia represents more than just business growth—it is a powerful endorsement of the Kingdom’s tourism potential and an affirmation of Vision 2030’s ambitious goals. As Saudi Arabia continues to welcome the world, brands like BWH Hotels are stepping up to provide the infrastructure, service quality, and cultural sensitivity that global travelers expect. The development also signals a shift in the global hospitality narrative, with Saudi Arabia emerging not just as a destination, but as a key player in shaping the future of the industry.

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