The resort development on the Red Sea coast of Tabuk has the credential forte needed to become Saudi Arabia's leading beach vacation destination, setting the benchmark for sustainable tourism development in the Kingdom. Nestled between the seashore and the mountains, Golden Tulip Sharma Resort promises to be the ideal family holiday destination, offering a full range of family-friendly activities and a range of accommodation options, from luxury 3, 2 and 1 bedroom villas and chalets to hotel rooms. With both the Tabuk governorate and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) acting as keen supporters of the project, the resort is generating a great deal of interest and attention for the project's importance in the region as a whole. According to Jamal Al Fakhri, general manager of Tabuk Investment and Tourism Development Company, “The Golden Tulip Sharma Resort is a unique project for the ecological forethought gone into it. From the energy saving principles central to its construction to the sensitivity of the site, it will be the epitome of ecotourism. “Furthermore, it uses natural stone, echoing the shades and textures of the nearby Hijaz Mountains, and embraces local architectural styles. “Both Prince Sultan Bin Salman, the SCTA President, and Prince Fahd Bin Sultan, the Governor of Tabuk, are keeping a keen eye on progress,” he said. He added, “Accommodation units have also been designed with privacy in mind for all our guests. Golden Tulip Sharma Resort will encourage more entertainment, relaxing and socializing than is usual in other Saudi resorts. “With the design and building materials, you are definitely in Saudi Arabia – but a very different Saudi Arabia,” he said. The resort will have a marina and a watersports facility, a diving center, gymnasium, kids' club, and two restaurants; there will also be a ladies' spa, with its own pool and beach area, with a range of treatments, making use of local mud varieties. Amine E. Moukarzel, president of Louvre Hotels Group and Tulip in the MENA regions, commented: “We are proud of this association with the Tabuk Investment and Tourism Association, and are looking forward and watching over this development that will bring Tabuk—and in particular Sharma—to a new era.” “The Golden Tulip Sharma Resort will become the best beach holiday destination in Saudi Arabia. Our customers and patrons will find the, facilities especially for MICE and events, completely satisfying,” he added. Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts and Louvre Hotels, making the group the 2nd largest European group and the 8th largest worldwide group with the brands: Royal Tulip, Golden Tulip, Tulip Inn, Kyriad, Campanile and Premiere Classe. — SG
