Hilton tapped to operate Dan’s first three resorts in Al Ahsa: The Public Investment Fund (PIF) subsidiary Dan Company will have global hotel operator Hilton run three resorts in Al Ahsa, according to a statement by Dan yesterday. Al Ahsa is home to UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site Al Ahsa Oasis, the largest oasis in the world. The statement did not disclose financial details or a timeline for the projects.

Ironing out the details: Hilton will manage Al Ahsa Agritourism Resort under its LXR Hotels and Resorts brand and the Al Ahsa Eco Resort and Al Ahsa Adventure Resort under the Curio Collection by Hilton. The 1.8 mn sqm development project in the region will be by road from cities including Riyadh, Dammam, Khobar, Jubail as well as Bahrain and Qatar. All are 1.5 to 3 hours away.

Who’s Dan? The PIF unit launched in December to promote agritourism and ecotourism across the Kingdom. It is expected to contribute SAR 6 bn (c. USD 1.6 bn) to non-oil GDP by 2030

What they said: Hilton is looking to quadruple its portfolio here, President and CEO Chris Nassetta said.

REMEMBER- Nassetta said last week that Hilton aims to have a portfolio of 100 properties in the Kingdom. Nassetta said the hotel group plans to open more than 60 new properties in the coming years. Two-thirds of Hilton’s pipeline of projects here is currently in the works.

IN OTHER TOURISM NEWS- Get ready for an adrenaline-filled tourist experience: The Eastern Province signed an investment agreement with PIF company The Rig to develop infrastructure for The Rig, which is the world’s first inspired off-shore oil rig-style tourist destination, state news agency SPA reported. The agreement includes developing and operating a marina, helicopter landing sites and others for the project.

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