Afalula, the French government agency for the AlUla project in Saudi Arabia, has appointed Gwénaëlle Delos as its chief of tourism and innovation.
Upon completion in 2035, AlUla will be the world’s largest living museum. The $15 billion project is being developed in three phases by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) alongside Afalula.
Per a press release, Delos has 20 years’ experience in the development and promotion of tourist destinations.
She previously served as development director for France at Hopscotch Tourism in Paris, and led the Atout France office for the United Kingdom and Ireland in London.
At Afalula, Delos will work to establish AlUla in Saudi Arabia’s northwest province as a flagship destination on the global stage.
She joins Afalula ahead of the departure of Mathias Curnier, who currently leads tourism, destination, and corporate communication at the agency.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, chairman of Afalula, said the appointment of Delos is “fully aligned with the agency’s strategy”.
Earlier this year, Afalula named Catherine Pégard as its chief of cultural development. She will be responsible for corporate communication following Curnier’s departure.
Previously president of the Palace of Versailles, Pégard spent more than 10 years revitalising and modernising the former royal residence’s cultural offerings.
AlUla: the world’s largest living museum
The AlUla project is located close to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, which opened to the public for the first time in 2020.
When it launches, AlUla will include five unique districts, five heritage sites, 15 cultural venues and museums, 10 million square metres of green space, and 5,000 hotel rooms.
Last year, the Royal Commission for AlUla announced architects Lina Ghotmeh and Asif Khan for two major museums at the destination.
The plans also include a luxury resort designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.
Images courtesy of Afalula
