Latest news with #NicholasOakwell
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Transforms Into a Global Luxury Destination
As luxury hotels rise from desert sands and ancient historical sites open to international visitors, the travel world is turning its attention to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom, which was closed to international tourists just a few years ago, is emerging as luxury travel's new frontier, blending centuries-old heritage with cutting-edge sustainable design and five-star hospitality. More from WWD The 'Experience Economy' Reshapes Travel Velocity Black Is Transforming Consumers' Luxury Experience Waldorf Astoria Staffers Get Uniforms Designed by Nicholas Oakwell Saudi Arabia's government has invested over $800 billion in tourism, making it the world's fastest-growing tourism market. In the first quarter of 2025, international arrivals jumped 23 percent, building on record numbers from 2024, according to data released last month by the Saudi Tourism Authority. The country surpassed its ambitious visitor target for 2030, seven years ahead of schedule, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global arts and culture destination. World-class exhibitions and high-end hospitality concepts are attracting a sophisticated international audience seeking immersive cultural experiences. Tourism spending has surged, with international visitors contributing about $37.6 billion to the Saudi economy in 2023. The sector now accounts for 5 percent of the country's gross domestic product, up from just 3 percent in 2019, with plans to reach 10 percent by 2030. Saudi Arabia has raised its ambition further, targeting 150 million annual visitors by 2030, including 70 million international arrivals — a goal that would place the kingdom among the world's top seven most-visited countries. Riyadh Air: The Kingdom's New Global Carrier Central to Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is Riyadh Air, the kingdom's new flagship carrier launched to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030. The first flights are set to take off at the end of this year. With a fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft, Riyadh Air represents Saudi Arabia's determination to create a world-class aviation experience. The airline, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has already placed orders for dozens of aircraft, including 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The recently unveiled cabin interiors rival the most luxurious airlines in the world, with four-tier seating including a dramatic 'Business Elite' class featuring 52-inch-high privacy walls, 78-inch fully flat beds, and what the airline claims are the world's largest business class screens at 32 inches. The branding incorporates Saudi heritage through a color palette of deep purples, mocha gold, and veined stone accents. The airline has partnered with high-end French audio company Devialet to embed speakers directly into the headrests, eliminating the need for headphones. Saudi couturier Ashi has designed the uniforms, which were revealed during Paris couture week. 'Riyadh Air will be a digitally native airline, driven by a pioneering spirit with an obsessive focus on attention to detail and innovation at its heart,' said Tony Douglas, chief executive officer of Riyadh Air. 'We aim to permanently transcend our guests' perceptions and experiences of flying in the modern world.' Douglas emphasizes the market necessity driving the airline's creation: 'We're not trying to create a market that doesn't exist. Riyadh, the capital city of a G20 country, is not well enough connected. Today, you do not have the option to fly direct to Tokyo. You do not have the option to fly direct to Shanghai or Seoul or Sydney, and the list just goes on and on.'. Hosting the World: Major Global Events Saudi Arabia's event calendar has expanded dramatically as the country has opened up. Cultural festivals like MDLBeast Soundstorm, one of the world's largest music festivals, are attracting international artists and visitors in unprecedented numbers. The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become a fixture on the racing calendar, and the kingdom has invested heavily in sporting events ranging from championship boxing matches to golf tournaments. The upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup will put the kingdom at the center of the global sports stage. The recently completed Diriyah Gate project, a $50 billion cultural and lifestyle destination near Riyadh, showcases the kingdom's UNESCO World Heritage site while offering luxury retail, dining, and entertainment experiences in a setting that honors Saudi Arabia's historical roots. To accommodate the projected influx of visitors, Saudi Arabia is dramatically expanding its tourism infrastructure. Hotel capacity is scheduled to double from 400,000 rooms to 800,000 rooms by 2035, with major international hospitality brands establishing a presence in the kingdom. Airport development is accelerating, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh undergoing significant expansion and the new King Salman International Airport under construction with a capacity to handle 120 million passengers annually. Ground transportation is being enhanced with new high-speed rail connections and road networks linking major tourism destinations. Red Sea Global: Redefining Luxury Tourism Perhaps no project better exemplifies Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions than the Red Sea Development. Red Sea Global is creating what aims to be the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism destination, with strict environmental protections and a commitment to operate using 100 percent renewable energy. The project, which will eventually encompass 22 islands and six inland sites, is already welcoming guests to its first luxury resorts. Major international hotel brands are making significant investments in Saudi Arabia. Marriott International has been particularly aggressive in its expansion within the kingdom with 40 hotels and more than 11,000 rooms in its development pipeline for the country. 'We are super excited about what's going on in Saudi,' says Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International. 'The vision is very compelling.' Marriott's current investments include the St. Regis and The Ritz Carlton Reserve, Nujuma Reserve at the Red Sea, an upcoming Edition hotel in the Red Sea, and multiple luxury properties across key Saudi cities. Among its newest properties is Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which opened in January in Diriyah, the historic district of Riyadh known as the birthplace of the kingdom. Bab Samhan — named after one of the most iconic gates in historic Diriyah — is the first luxury hotel to open in the UNESCO World Heritage area. Its location offers panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah and is within walking distance to At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the popular Bujairi Terrace dining district. Edmundson highlights the strategic importance of the Saudi market, noting, 'Luxury is such an important part of the Saudi vision.' She also praised the kingdom's commitment to sustainability: 'They've approached building in a way to really protect the environment.' Even with the remarkable momentum, Saudi Arabia's tourism transformation faces challenges. The kingdom must balance its conservative cultural identity with the expectations of international visitors and continue to develop its tourism infrastructure and workforce. But Douglas highlights that beyond transportation, Riyadh Air serves as a powerful branding vehicle for the kingdom's tourism aspirations, carrying the message of Saudi Arabia's transformation to global markets and helping to overcome some of the perception challenges. 'Riyadh Air will play a considerable role in opening our kingdom to the world for many more people to enjoy our hospitality, warmth and beautiful tourist sites.' Best of WWD The Definitive Timeline for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sean John Fashion Brand: Lawsuits, Runway Shows and Who Owns It Now What the Highest-paid CEOs at U.S. Fashion and Retail Companies Make Confidence Holds Up, But How Much Can Consumers Take?
Hospitality Net
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Waldorf Astoria New York and NO Uniform Unveil Wardrobe Design Collaboration
NEW YORK CITY – Waldorf Astoria New York unveiled today ahead of its opening new team member wardrobes designed by NO Uniform, the specialist design studio led by acclaimed British couture designer Nicholas Oakwell. The partnership marks NO Uniform's first venture with a New York City hotel. With a reputation for redefining uniform design across the global hospitality sector, NO Uniform brings a fashion-forward and functionally tailored approach that perfectly complements the legacy and future of Waldorf Astoria New York. Rooted in the building's art deco heritage and inspired by the city's dynamic fashion scene, Oakwell's designs blend timeless sophistication with a fresh contemporary edge. The team members' wardrobe collection draws inspiration from the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s, incorporating rich textures such as velvet and jacquard silk, reimagined with forward-thinking styling. The result is a distinctive, bespoke wardrobe that reflects both the architectural grandeur of Waldorf Astoria New York and the style of today's global traveler. We are proud to partner with NO Uniform as we reintroduce Waldorf Astoria New York to the world. Nicholas Oakwell's approach to design is aligned with our vision for the hotel—honoring our history while looking to the future, remaining committed to timeless elegance and modern hospitality. Our team members are at the heart of the guest experience, and their new wardrobe will not only support them in their roles but also embody the spirit and sophistication of Waldorf Astoria New York. This collection has been thoughtfully designed to instill pride and confidence in our team as they bring our renowned service to life. Luigi Romaniello, managing director, Waldorf Astoria New York Each piece in the collection balances style and practicality to support the team members' varied roles while embodying the luxury and service excellence synonymous with Waldorf Astoria New York. Additionally, team members of the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, which sit above the hotel, will also be fitted with NO Uniform wardrobes. All of the uniforms are made from responsibly sourced fabrics with longevity and comfort at the core of the design process, as well as attention to detail with subtle nods towards the property's history and elegant design, such as tastefully engraved Waldorf Astoria New York buttons and the hotel's signature blue and silver color palette. Waldorf Astoria New York is a symbol of occasion, and the team member wardrobes are designed to reflect just that. We've created something that feels strong and modern, with a sense of fashion that resonates across generations. Nicholas Oakwell Wardrobe highlights include an innovative, monochromatic design perfect for a door person, featuring a long formal wool coat in the winter. A turtleneck sweater, tailored pants and chic black sunglasses complete the look. During transitional seasons, a calf-length belted camel trench coat is available. As the weather gets warmer, a camel bomber jacket will be paired with a matching shirt and chino designed for city living and inspired by the sandstone color of the building. Stepping inside the hotel and residences, guests will be greeted by front-of-house team members whose attire reflects both professionalism and poise, underscoring Waldorf Astoria New York's ethos. Female front-of-house team members will don silver silk blazers and waistcoat suits offering both elegance and comfort that allow ease of movement throughout the day, while male team members sport a Prince of Wales check three-piece suit complete with shirt and tie - refined looks that reinforce their role as polished ambassadors of the guest experience. The wardrobe not only conveys sophistication but also empowers team members to feel confident and unified in their roles as the first point of contact for every guest. The reimagined host wardrobe for Waldorf Astoria New York's legendary Peacock Alley reflects the destination's long-held status as New York's premier cocktail bar. In the evening, male hosts will welcome guests wearing vibrant peacock blue suits with plush velvet blazers and fringed scarves, while female hosts will wear floor-length sequin gowns. The uniforms exude glamour and grace, making each guest arrival feel like a moment of celebration. During the day, female hosts will greet guests in polished silver silk tie-waist jumpsuits. The new uniforms offer both high fashion and versatility, supporting ease of movement while maintaining a polished silhouette. They're a bold expression of legacy and glamour, designed to heighten the guest experience and mirror the elegance of the space itself. Waldorf Astoria New York is currently accepting reservations beginning September 1, 2025. For hotel reservations and more information, please visit For more information on owning a residence at Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, please visit Follow along on Instagram at @waldorfnyc and on Facebook at @WaldorfAstoriaNewYork. Read more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at About Hilton Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 7,600 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 190 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Michelle Myers +1 571 386 7523 Hilton
