Starwood announces its further expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the signing of a new Sheraton in Makkah.
Sheraton Makkah Jabal Al Kaaba, scheduled to open by the end of the year, is located near the new expansion of the mosque.
“Makkah has been a particular focus for Starwood growth, with Sheraton being one of three brands to make its entrance into the market in the next year,” said Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Europe, Africa and Middle East.
Sheraton Makkah Jabal Al Kaaba will feature 414 rooms and branded service apartments.
Neil George, senior vice president, acquisitions & development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Africa and Middle East, said: “Saudi Arabia remains one of our strongest growth markets in the region and we are on track to more than double our presence in the country in the next three years.
“With the growth of religious travel into Saudi Arabia, there continues to be a strong demand for hotels within the holy city and Starwood is in an enviable position with a pipeline of more than 3,000 new rooms in addition to 1,200 existing rooms in this market.”
Starwood operates more than 50 hotels and resorts across the Middle East under eight brands and is on track to operate 100 hotels in the region by 2020.