• Significant increase in revenue from GCC travelers to international destinations, including Thailand (277%), Spain (264%), and Morocco (5000 %)
• A 47% increase is expected in the GCC markets in 2025, in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

GCC: Barceló Hotels Group, the leading Spanish hospitality company with more than 300 properties in 30 countries, announced today at Arabian Travel Market 2025 its plans to enter the Saudi market, with its first hotel expected to open by the end of 2025. This anticipated opening is a testament to the group’s long-term expansion strategy in the GCC, where regional demand continues to grow at an unprecedented pace .

The move into the Saudi market comes at a time when Barceló Hotels & Resorts is experiencing a significant increase in performance driven by demand from the GCC countries across its global portfolio. In 2024, hotel bookings in the GCC increased by 10% compared to the previous year, led by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This momentum is expected to accelerate considerably in 2025, with a projected 47% increase in bookings from GCC travelers, supported by a growing contribution from Qatar. This year, the UAE entered the list of Barceló Hotels & Resorts' top 10 core markets in the EMEA region, highlighting the increasing importance of the GCC countries to the group's international expansion .

The group’s flagship properties in the Middle East, including the Barceló Hotel Al Jaddaf in Dubai and the Barceló Resort Musannah in Oman, continue to lead the market share for GCC travelers. In 2025, demand from Gulf guests for international destinations across the hotel portfolio increased, with the Barceló Coconut Island Hotel in Thailand seeing a 277% increase in revenue compared to 2024. The Occidental Puerto Banús Resort in Spain also saw a 264% increase, while the Allegro Agadir Hotel in Morocco experienced a remarkable 5000% increase in revenue, highlighting the strong engagement with the globally mobile GCC audience seeking diverse leisure experiences .

With the significant transformation underway in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, the entry of Barceló Hotels & Resorts aligns with the Kingdom's ambitions to become a global tourism hub. The group is expected to support this transformation by offering travelers a unique blend of Spanish hospitality, high-quality service, and locally inspired experiences .

At Arabian Travel Market 2025, José Canals, Managing Director for the Middle East, Asia, Mediterranean and North Africa at Barceló Hotels Group, said: “Our entry into Saudi Arabia is a natural evolution for a brand that is in high demand in the Gulf countries. This opening is not just a new addition, but a long-term investment in one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world. We are excited to bring the Barceló experience to the Kingdom and contribute to enhancing its appeal to regional and international travelers .”

Barceló Hotels & Resorts continues to deepen its presence in other GCC markets: in Bahrain, the Barceló Hotel & Resort Bahrain is in its final stages before opening, offering a prime location in the heart of the capital. The group is also set to open a new hotel in Oman by the end of 2025 .

With over 65,000 rooms worldwide, the group operates four distinct brands: Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, and Allegro, each offering tailored experiences in urban and leisure accommodations. From established destinations to emerging locations, the group’s growing portfolio reflects a strategic vision built on innovation, cultural connection, and an unwavering commitment to quality .

About Barceló Hotels Group

Barceló Hotels & Resorts is the hotel arm of Barceló Group, the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and the 30th largest hotel chain in the world by number of rooms. The group currently operates more than 300 four- and five-star hotels with over 65,000 rooms in 30 countries under four brands: Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, and Allegro Hotels. It is also part of Crystalline Hotels & Resorts, an independent hotel company with 130 properties in the United States. For more information, please visit www.barcelo.com

For media inquiries:

Donna Sarwa, Q Communications

Dona.s@qcomms.ae

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