Saudi nationals are among GCC tourism industry's best guests

Ahead of the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market 2013 event opening in Riyadh on 31 March, John Pelling, the General Manager of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, has shared his experience in playing host to the Kingdom's increasing numbers of five-star holidaymakers.

"We've always known that Saudi Arabia, with its youthful population in excess of 28 million, is the GCC's top feeder market. Now, we believe they are among our key markets. This is based on a few key data points: the average size of their travel party, length of stay and incremental spend," said Pelling.

Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market 2013 is one of the leading events providing dedicated information about the Kingdom's tourism and travel industry.

Of key interest to GCC industry watchers is a new outbound Saudi travel trend - a demonstrated preference for luxury beach resorts in the Gulf.

We used to see a Saudi Arabian preference for city breaks in the Gulf. Now staying near the beach in large family parties is proving to be very popular. They want well-appointed accommodation, world-class dining, but also beach and pool access and activities for children that ensure absolute privacy and relaxation.

Located on Saadiyat's pristine beach, framed by the prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is also 10 minutes away from Ferrari World and the newly launched Yas Waterworld.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort actively participates in roadshows and provides customised collateral and special packages for Saudi guests.

The hotel is widely acclaimed for its signature St. Regis butler service as well as its extensive leisure and recreational facilities. The latter includes a spacious state-of-the-art fitness centre - St. Regis Athletic Club with indoor squash courts and outdoor tennis courts, four outdoor swimming pools including a tiered family pool, an indoor lap pool and a large spa with 12 treatments rooms.

Young guests are also catered for with the Sandcastle Club, which offers captivating, thoughtful activities in a welcoming environment. It also features play areas inside and out, a sand pit, an outdoor pool and age-based activity rooms to inspire the imagination of children aged 1 - 12.