Jerry Inzerillo, the CEO of Diriyah Company Group, has been selected as a United Nations Tourism Ambassador during the inaugural UN Sustainability Week in New York.
He joins an exclusive group of 50 ambassadors, which includes influential figures such as Lionel Messi and Georgio Armani.
With a career spanning over 50 years, Jerry has been acknowledged for his visionary contributions to the hospitality industry, working with organizations like Forbes Travel Guide and aiding in the establishment of Atlantis Resorts.
Currently, he is leading the development of the $63 billion Diriyah Giga project in Saudi Arabia. Upon completion, the project aims to transform Diriyah, home to the UNESCO At-Turaif World Heritage Site, into a bustling community of 100,000 residents, complete with world-renowned hotels and restaurants.
The UN Tourism Ambassadorial Appointment
A significant announcement was made during the inaugural United Nations Sustainability Week hosted in the bustling city of New York. Jerry Inzerillo, the current Group CEO of Diriyah Company, was appointed a United Nations Tourism Ambassador.
This prestigious role has seen the likes of well-known figures such as Lionel Messi, Georgio Armani, and Placido Domingo among its ranks.
The Role and Its Significance
The role of the UN Tourism Ambassador is one of significant responsibility. The individuals appointed as ambassadors are tasked with amplifying the UN World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) key messages about the potential of tourism to drive change and foster sustainable growth on a global scale.
Inzerillo's appointment to this coveted role testifies to his reputation as a hospitality and tourism development visionary.
Recognition of a Prolific Career
The Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, presented the award to Jerry Inzerillo. It is an accolade recognizing Inzerillo's remarkable achievements in the global hospitality industry.
Throughout his career, Inzerillo has been an internationally acknowledged visionary in tourism development. His transformative strategies and innovative design solutions have supported local communities and created new, undiscovered tourism destinations.
Diriyah: The City of Earth and Its Transformation
A key focus of Inzerillo's work in recent years has been the development of Diriyah, a city located on the outskirts of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh.
At the heart of Diriyah is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the historic capital of the First Saudi State. At-Turaif is the ancestral home of the royal Al Saud family where visitors can explore the district and discover the traditional Najdi architecture, rich history, and culture of the town.
The implementation of the Diriyah Gate project, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, aims to revamp the area into a popular tourist destination by developing a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and sports facilities.
Every year, Diriyah also hosts the Diriyah E Prix, a fully electric street racing event and the Formula E championships. The town also holds the Diriyah Season, a cultural festival featuring performances and exhibitions.
Restaurants & Attractions at Diriyah
Recently, significant developments have taken place at Al Bujairi Heritage Park and Bujairi Terrace, making them must-see attractions.
Unveiled on December 4th, 2022, Bujairi Terrace is an upscale dining destination spanning an impressive 15,000 square meters and featuring 21 top-tier international and local Bujairi Terrace Restaurants serving a fusion of international and local cuisines.
From Bujairi Terrace, visitors can also take in the stunning view of the iconic At-Turaif and its surroundings.
Located in the heart of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Wadi Hanifa invites travelers to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and cultural wealth. With its lush greenery and pristine streams, this picturesque valley offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore and learn about its surroundings.
The upcoming Diriyah Square, a focal point of the Diriyah master plan, plans to showcase over 400 Saudi and international retail brands and luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.
This new urban area is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and will solely rely on renewable energy sources for its power.
The Diriyah Company and Its Vision
Under the stewardship of Inzerillo, the Diriyah Company is dedicated to transforming Diriyah into a global, cultural, and lifestyle hub. The development strategies adopted by the company uphold the highest international standards of sustainability, preservation, and conservation.
The development of Diriyah is inspired by traditional Najdi architecture, which enables the construction of sustainable infrastructure. The project includes planting 6.5 million indigenous trees, shrubs, and plants and using carbon-negative building materials.
The first phase of the master plan received the LEED platinum-level certification for Cities and Communities by the United States Green Building Council, a first-of-its-kind accreditation in the Middle East.
Transformative Developments in Diriyah
The Arena in Diriyah
Diriyah Company has revealed its plans for the 20,000 seater Diriyah Arena, a significant component of the $63 billion Gigaproject in Diriyah, situated just outside Riyadh.
The innovative designs for the arena, spanning 76,000 square meters, were crafted by London-based HKS architects with the arena surrounded by an urban park, that draws inspiration from the intricate patterns found in Najdi forts and palaces, seamlessly blending Saudi heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
With ambitions to become a leading venue in the Middle East, the completed arena aims to host various prestigious sports and cultural events.
Wadi Safar Project as The 'Bel Air' of Saudi Arabia
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority recently introduced the Wadi Safar project, which aims to transform Riyadh into an oasis. This project is set to house approximately 40 to 50 luxury homes, each priced at a minimum of $25 million, catering to a select clientele of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The community will have 106 guest rooms, 28 luxury suites, and an exclusive Royal Suite. Furthermore, it will include a relaxing spa, an indoor pool for recreational activities, and a dining facility supervised by the renowned chef, Michael Mina.
The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah Hotel
The construction of the new Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Diriyah has been launched by Marriott International, with a target of opening its doors in 2026.
This high-end five-star hotel will be situated within the expansive Diriyah Giga Project, which has a budget of $63 billion, signifying a significant step in Marriott's growth in Saudi Arabia.
The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah is expected to accommodate 195 guest rooms and 34 lavish suites, each providing a distinct combination of sophistication, extravagance, and regional heritage.
The prestigious construction company Saudico, based in Saudi Arabia, has recently been granted a contract worth $186 million by Diriyah Company to build the opulent Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah.
The award for this contract was announced during the PIF Private Sector Forum, which took place in Riyadh.
The Ritz-Carlton Branded Residences
To offer a peaceful community environment, Diriyah Company and Ritz-Carlton have announced the launch of the first Ritz-Carlton Luxury Branded Residences in the Kingdom, promoting social interaction through cultural venues, plazas, and leisure facilities.
These villas, which will offer three different luxury interior designs from Najdi to contemporary, will be a part of the larger Diriyah Project, which is set to include 20,000 residential units, luxury hotels, and restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences will offer six different villa layouts, ranging from three to five bedrooms, each with a courtyard that provides a perfect space for residents to relax and unwind.
Additionally, residents will have the option to choose from three interior designs, including traditional Najdi and contemporary styles.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Having been appointed a United Nations Tourism Ambassador, Inzerillo expressed his commitment to ensuring that the developments led by the Diriyah Company are innovative, actionable, and have a lasting impact.
He stated, "In the area of tourism, we have the privilege to work in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors that employ 320 million people today and will add a further 100 million within the next decade. But with that privilege comes enormous responsibility."
Inzerillo emphasized that their commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond the day-to-day operations of the Diriyah Company.
He stressed the need for the global tourism sector to commit to educating people, the communities they work in, and the millions who travel to experience new destinations. This education would promote better understanding, knowledge, and action in sustainability and contemporary tourism practices.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
As part of his newly appointed role, Inzerillo also participated in a one-on-one discussion about the future of tourism. He joined a vibrant debate on sustainable tourism practices with other global industry leaders during the UN Sustainability Week.
During his interaction with the delegates, Inzerillo explained that sustainable tourism and proactive policymaking must become drivers of change for the industry. He advocated for these to become catalysts for a vibrant and growing sector in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.
Propelling Sustainable Growth
The appointment of Jerry Inzerillo as a United Nations Tourism Ambassador is a testament to his visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to the hospitality and tourism sector.
As the Group CEO of Diriyah Company, he continues to inspire and lead transformative development strategies in the rapidly growing and diverse tourism destination of Saudi Arabia.
His role as a UN Tourism Ambassador further amplifies his influence and leadership, extending his reach to global audiences while propelling the sustainable growth of the worldwide tourism industry.
Continue Reading: Diriyah Company Reveals Plans For 20,000 Seater Arena in Historic Diriyah
