Having spent more than 30 years in hotels, Rolf Lippuner has a sound understanding of the hospitality industry. We spoke with the talented hotelier about his journey and what’s planned for Fairmont Hotel Riyadh, where he serves as general manager.
What can you tell us about your career journey?
My career in hospitality has spanned over three decades, starting in the U.S. and shifting to international leadership opportunities worldwide. I began in front office management and through dedication and hard work, I advanced to senior positions. Moreover, my journey included overseeing operations across various regions, ranging from luxury hotels in the U.S. to properties in Riyadh. In addition to my extensive hospitality experience, I spent significant time in AlUla, contributing to groundbreaking development initiatives with impactful outcomes. Throughout my career, I have consistently prioritized innovation, sustainability and the importance of delivering exceptional guest experiences, always striving to exceed expectations and standards.
What are your plans for the property in KSA?
At Fairmont Hotel Riyadh, we remain focused on continuously enhancing the guest experience, ensuring every visit exceeds expectations and standards. Recently, we successfully revamped our Italian restaurant, Che Figata!, enhancing the ambience and offerings to become Riyadh’s top destination for Italian cuisine.
We elevated our Fairmont Spa by introducing new treatments and wellness experiences, addressing the rising demand for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Furthermore, this year, we proudly celebrated House of Grill’s first anniversary, solidifying its reputation as Riyadh’s premier destination for exceptional grilled cuisine. Moving forward, we plan to engage more in major capital events, collaborating with like-minded brands to position Fairmont Riyadh as a key hospitality leader.
In your opinion, what are the main challenges and opportunities in the Saudi hotel market?
The Saudi hotel market is currently undergoing a period of rapid transformation, which naturally presents both significant challenges and exciting opportunities. For instance, one of the main challenges is greater competition, particularly as more international properties strategically enter the burgeoning market. Consequently, this creates heightened pressure to maintain exceptional service standards and drive continuous innovation to effectively differentiate each property.
There is a significant opportunity to cater to the evolving preferences of both local and international travelers more effectively. Furthermore, with the government’s focus on tourism development as part of Vision 2030, hotels can tap into business and leisure segments. Notably, the introduction of new projects and events in the capital and throughout Saudi Arabia enhances these opportunities significantly. Additionally, strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and China creates a unique chance to attract Chinese travelers interested in cultural and business experiences. Tailored offerings and well-planned strategic partnerships can further amplify this appeal, aligning perfectly with Vision 2030’s ambitious objectives.
How would you describe the luxury hotel sector in KSA?
The luxury hotel sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing dynamic growth, largely driven by Vision 2030’s ambition to transform tourism nationwide. This remarkable growth highlights a robust demand for high-end experiences, with opportunities in both domestic and international luxury markets expanding rapidly. However, the fast pace of development introduces intensified competition, emphasizing the need for differentiation to maintain a competitive edge. At Fairmont Hotel Riyadh, we understand the importance of balancing market segmentation. Thus, we tailor offerings to diverse corporate, leisure, and family travelers. Moreover, strategic collaboration with government-led destination activation ensures alignment with Vision 2030, enhancing exclusivity and sector-wide appeal. By effectively balancing these priorities, we contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality landscape.
