German startup to help Saudi hotels utilize empty spaces

German startup to help Saudi hotels utilize empty spaces

RIYADH: A German start-up established during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to help hotels overcome a slump in occupancy rates is now working in Saudi Arabia.

NeuSpace aims to assist operators in coming up with new ways to generate revenue from their empty spaces.

Anne Schaeflein, a co-founder of the Dusseldorf-based company, told Arab News: "For hotel properties still in the completion phase, we feel it is best to evaluate the perspective, and to diversify pre-opening.

"To be empathic to the existing (or planned) infrastructure and environment of the location, we run a feasibility study and look at how the space could be best used from an ROI (return on investment) as well as community perspective. Turning function spaces into day nurseries, delis, and bakeries,“ she said.

Anne Schaeflein, Collaborative Founder NeuSpace. (Supplied)

According to the company's website, it aims to address the needs of hotel investors, operators, and the wider community surrounding the property.

"We deliver quick solutions to retain some of the hospitality jobs, and add others, and offer attractive living space for communities, all within one to four months, depending on the individual projects,“ the company said.

A report in November by global hotel data analysis company, STR, found that the average occupancy rate