Prince Sultan bin Salman, right, receives a souvenir from Prince Turki ibn Mohammed, a representative of the partners of Luthan Hotel. (AN photo)

RIYADH, 19 March 2008 — Prince Sultan bin Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, opened the first women-only hotel in the Kingdom here yesterday and hoped similar hotels would be built in other parts of the country.

Prince Sultan said he came to the program with the intent of encouraging Saudi businesswomen to invest in the tourism sector. A number of business leaders attended the opening of Luthan Hotel & Spa.

“This important project comes in line with the government’s support for investment projects in all sectors and its encouragement to women to take part in the development process,” Sultan said.

There are 25 rooms in the hotel with varying size and design, and it offers its services twenty-four hours to women guests, especially those who want to stay in Riyadh during their business trips.

It also includes a spa club that offers nearly 150 fitness and wellness services to clients.

Prince Sultan said the hotel would provide a suitable and comfortable place for Saudi businesswomen to work and stay, adding that it would contribute to boosting women businesses activities in the country. He thanked the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for its support to the project.