Saudi Arabia’s tourism landmark Al Ula signs agreement with Accor

Saudi Arabia’s tourism landmark Al Ula signs agreement with Accor

Saudi Arabia has agreed with Europe's biggest hotel group Accor for the group to expand and operate a resort at the $20 billion Al-Ula tourism project in the kingdom's northwestern region, the Royal Commission for the project said on Sunday.

Al-Ula, the site of an ancient civilization in a remote northwestern corner of the country, is part of plans by the world's top crude exporter to diversify its economy away from oil and open up after decades of seclusion.

The agreement will see Accor operate an expanded Ashar Resort under the Banyan Tree brand, with 47 new units bringing the resort's total capacity to 82 high-end villas, along with a spa and several gourmet restaurants, a commission statement said.

The project is located in the Ashar valley, 15