Saudi Arabia's Dan Company, which is backed by Saudi sovereign wealth vehicle the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has issued a tender notice inviting companies to bid for a contract to build three resorts at its Palm One project in Al Ahsa. The tender was issued in early March and the deadline for bid submissions is 30 April. The project site covers about 1.8 square kilometres and is located in the east of Al Ahsa, on Abu Ayoub Al Ansari Road. The development includes an eco-resort, an agri-resort and an adventure resort. Earlier in March, Dan Company signed an agreement with US-based hotel operator Hilton Hotels & Resorts to operate the three resorts at the Palm One project. The agreement covers the operations of the development's three main resorts under different Hilton brands. The five-star agritourism resort will be operated under the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand while the ecotourism resort and the adventure tourism resort will operate as part of Hilton's Curio Collection. Dan Company has appointed Hong Kong-based LWK Partners as the lead designer for the project, which involves the development of a farm-based tourism destination in Al Ahsa. The development will include a multipurpose events hall, a community centre, utilities and other associated infrastructure facilities. In December last year, the PIF launched the Dan Company to develop agritourism and ecotourism projects in the kingdom. The company plans to develop and operate resorts and lodges in partnership with the local community. In an official statement, the PIF said that Dan Company will grant franchises to farmers and tourist lodge operators and will also provide training to help them to start and build their facilities. The company will develop Palm One as its first project in the kingdom. (ICE RIYADH)

Fonte notizia: Meed