Hyatt Elevates Leadership Amidst Saudi Expansion Drive

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Briana Swift as Regional Vice President of Development for Saudi Arabia, marking a strategic leadership shift as the company accelerates its footprint in the Kingdom’s burgeoning hospitality sector.

Swift, who previously served as Regional Vice President of Development for Northern Europe, brings a decade of experience in hotel development and strategic growth. Her appointment comes as Hyatt intensifies its commitment to Saudi Arabia, aiming to increase its hotel capacity from 1,700 to 5,000 rooms by 2028. This expansion aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the tourism sector.

Hyatt's growth strategy in Saudi Arabia includes the introduction of new properties in key cities. The company has signed management agreements for two new hotels in Madinah: Hyatt House Madinah KEC and Hyatt Centric Madinah KEC, adding a combined 576 rooms to its portfolio. These developments are part of the Knowledge Economic City project, aimed at transforming Madinah into a hub for knowledge-based industries and tourism.

The Kingdom's broader hospitality landscape is experiencing significant growth. According to the Ministry of Commerce’s Q4 2023 bulletin, resort activity saw a 51% annual increase, while boutique hotels experienced a 74.4% surge. This growth is concentrated in regions like Makkah, which accounted for a substantial portion of the new commercial records in the sector.

Hyatt's expansion is further supported by the Kingdom's investment in tourism infrastructure. The Saudi government has set a target of increasing hotel rooms to over 550,000 by 2030, with an anticipated 150 million visitors annually. This ambitious plan includes substantial investments in the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah, where \$70 billion is allocated to build 221,000 hotel rooms to accommodate the rising demand for religious tourism.

In a significant move, Hyatt held its first board meeting outside the United States in Riyadh, reflecting the company's focus on the Saudi market. The meeting, attended by high-ranking Saudi officials, underscored the mutual commitment to developing the Kingdom's tourism sector. Discussions included plans for Hyatt to establish a regional office in Saudi Arabia, covering the Kingdom and Africa, and the creation of a specialized training academy to empower Saudi nationals in the hospitality industry.

Swift's leadership is expected to play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the Saudi market and driving Hyatt's growth objectives. Her previous achievements include launching Hyatt's first properties in Scandinavia, Malta, and the Greek Isles, demonstrating her capability in expanding the company's global presence.