Said (R) is seen receiving the “Best Company in the Hospitality & Tourism Sector” award at the CEO Magazine Awards held in Riyadh, Saturday.Al-Khozama Management Company (AKMC), a leading luxury commercial property management, development and investment company in Saudi Arabia, dominated the first ever Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards (SETA) at an awards ceremony held in Riyadh last week. The Supreme Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) initiated the annual SETA award for the first time this year. The award ceremony was held in Riyadh on the sidelines of Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) in Riyadh, Monday. Musaed A. Al-Said, the CEO of AKMC told Saudi Gazette that this reflects the recognition of the company's contribution to the Saudi tourism sector by SCTA and Saudi society in general. “I am happy to receive the SETA awards. We are committed to the development of the Saudi tourism market,” he said. Al-Faisaliah Hotel won the SETA award for “Best Luxury Hotel”, Al-Faisaliah Shopping Mall for “Best Shopping Experience” and “The Globe” for “Best Dining Restaurant” categories. The Globe Restaurant is encapsulated in the stunning golden geodesic orb that tops Al-Faisaliah Tower and provides diners with a unique view of the capital. Within this dramatic three-story dome, exceptional modern European cuisine is complemented by spectacular panoramic views of Riyadh below. It is open for lunch, dinner and high tea on weekends. The Makkah-based Mobarrat Al-Shohada, managed by AKMC and Avail Grand Hotel & Suite, shared SETA's “Best Domestic Hotel” award. The panel of judges considered the hotel to be well designed for its target clientele and competitive with international hotel groups. Al-Said remarked that AKMC is committed to property development in Makkah and Madina and that discussions are ongoing with King Abdullah Waqf to manage one of its five star luxury hotels in Madina which could open in 2013. “We will demonstrate our high standards by elevating the quality of hotel services in Makkah and Madina. We believe that the two Holy Cities deserve more than what we have right now in terms of better hotel standards and services. We can contribute a lot,” Al-Said said. AKMC properties also dominated the 2010 World Travel Awards ceremony by clinching three prizes: “Middle East's Leading Architectural Concept 2010”, “Makkah's Leading Hotel 2010” and “Leading Personality of the Year” for AKMC Chairman Prince Babdar Bin Saud Bin Khalid. Al-Said said that the Al Shohada Hotel earned the “Makkah's Leading Hotel 2010” award. The hotel was recognized for setting a new benchmark in hospitality service standards and luxury accommodation. He added that the Kingdom is at the center of economic growth in the fast-growing Gulf region. With the recent opening of the Al-Faisaliah Hotel's South Wing, the hotel adds 106 deluxe rooms and suites – the largest room size in the Kingdom – La Cucina Restaurant and a ladies-only spa and wellness centrer slated to open later this year. With Riyadh positioned as a key destination for both business and leisure travel sectors, the opening of the highly anticipated South Wing in the prestigious city center location, demonstrates the vision of the hotel's owner in meeting the growing needs of the Kingdom's hospitality sector. “It is important to be prepared for increasing demands even before they are present. AKMC has demonstrated true foresight in making a considerable investment in this new wing to ensure visitors to our capital city can enjoy the best of the Kingdom's hospitality,” Al-Said remarked. Al-Faisaliah Hotel has been at the forefront of unrivalled luxury and prestige for the past 11 years and the opening of the new wing will ensure that this leading position will continue for many years to come, he added. “We are happy to bring a product of this caliber to the market.” Al-Said said the quality at Al-Faisaliah Hotel has raised the standard of luxury hotels in the Kingdom, in particular, and in the Gulf region in general. Al-Faisaliah Hotel will soon have an spa exclusive for women. The spa is at its development stage “and we are moving ahead with its planned opening sometime in October/November,” he added. Spanning four floors, it will feature 13 treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, and soothing private meditation and relaxation rooms. Services that reflect regional traditions in wellness as well as internationally progressive techniques will include an indulgent array of treatments and experiences, ranging from facials to Hammam rituals. Served by exclusively female staff, the spa will meet the demands of the market, he said.
