Marcus Bernhardt and Qusai Al-Fakhri have signed an agreement (imagery: © TDF)

Tourism Development Fund has struck a deal with Deutsche Hospitality to develop and operate Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels schemes across Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom has taken a major step towards welcoming one of Deutsche Hospitality’s most talked-about brands into its vibrant hospitality scene.

An exciting collaboration

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of Tourism Development Fund (TDF), and Marcus Bernhardt, his counterpart at Deutsche Hospitality, in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, minister of tourism. The agreement with Deutsche Hospitality – the umbrella brand of the German hotel company Steigenberger Hotels – paves the way for the development and operation of Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels throughout Saudi Arabia.

The deal includes the exclusive right to launch the brand’s first project in the Middle East.

Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of Tourism Development Fund, said: “We are pleased to announce the signing of this MoU with Deutsche Hospitality, a company that blends world-class hospitality with elevated standards to attract entities to invest in, develop and operate high-quality, iconic hotel projects in Saudi Arabia.

“Through this collaboration – which will result in first-of-its-kind hospitality offerings – we continue to enhance the Kingdom’s tourism offering under the National Tourism Strategy.”

Innovative lifestyle properties

These luxury hotels will pair Porsche-inspired lifestyle design with the hospitality and service quality of Steigenberger, providing a personalised experience at every touchpoint. Each of these hotels will encompass a minimum of 150 rooms, suites and penthouses, along with amenities including a restaurant and lounge concept, meet-and-greet areas, health and beauty facilities, and a gym and wellness area.

TDF plays a significant role in the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, enabling private investors to participate in the sector, and offering tailored solutions where required from direct financing to bank guarantees.

Marcus Bernhardt, CEO of Deutsche Hospitality, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with TDF to launch new hotel projects in Saudi Arabia, including the first Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotel in the Middle East.

“The project will cater to the sophisticated needs of the Saudi market, creating a unique and innovative experience within the Kingdom’s luxury lifestyle hotel segment that is sure to offer an incomparable guest experience. A Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotel in Saudi Arabia reflects our commitment to the region and our support for the Kingdom as a leading global tourist destination.”

Bernhardt and Porsche Design Group CEO Dr Jan Becker agreed to join forces to create the Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels brand last summer.

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