The number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach 308,000 by 2014, up from 230,000 in 2008, as efforts intensify to accommodate the projected 6.5 percent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals in the country. Religious tourism remains the main driver of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry with millions of Muslim pilgrims visiting the country annually, prompting a surge in development projects to boost tourism and hospitality infrastructure around religious sites. Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana, a leading hotel in Saudi Arabia and the closest to the Holy Mosque in Makkah, has reported the continuing surge in visitor footfall as reflected by its increasing occupancy rate in its 426 luxurious rooms and suites. Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana is part of the Al Bayt Towers complex, one of the ongoing King Abdul Aziz Endowment (Waqf) projects being developed in the areas surrounding the Holy Mosque. Hany Khorshid, general manager, Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana - Makkah, said: “Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana achieved client satisfaction rate of 88 percent till this month. At the same time, we are maintaining our commitment to deliver the highest levels of service quality to our guests to complement the corresponding business growth and the increasing investments in various hospitality and tourism infrastructure.” “Furthermore, with the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana is now prepared to accommodate a further surge in demand for hotel rooms and hotel facilities. Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana is particularly preparing for tourists from the UAE, Kuwait, Turkey and Egypt, which are traditionally the biggest markets for visitors during this season. New development projects are now underway in the hotel as we expect a further boost in our occupancy rate, especially since Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana is the closest hotel to the Holy Mosques. We are now expanding our existing facilities and amenities that already include three world-class restaurants as well as transport facilities to and from the airport,” Khorshid added. Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana is located on the right side of the Al Bayt Towers project, which faces King Abdul Aziz Gate and offers an excellent view of the Holy Mosque and the Ka'aba. The new hotel is part of the Al Bayt Towers complex, which comprises seven towers being built on an area of 6.15 million square meters. Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana offers 426 luxurious rooms and suites, designed to be modern and stylish, while complementing the values of Arabian culture. There is a choice of three restaurants at the hotel offering breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in addition to à la carte menu, as well as 24 hour in-room dining.
