Donald Trump and his team and Jerry Inzerillo are both from New York. They both love real estate development in a big way – and it shows in different ways.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver was recognized with the 2018 Forbes Five-Star Designation when Jerry was CEO of Forbes.
New York native Jerry Inzerillo, now CEO of the Diriyah Company Group was appointed a United Nations Tourism Ambassador during the first-ever UN Sustainability Week in New York. The accolade recognizes his achievements as a global visionary in the hospitality industry and internationally acknowledged visionary in tourism development over a career spanning more than 50 years.
He was presented with the award by the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Zurab Pololikashvili during a day dedicated to debating and discussing future global tourism strategies and the vital role sustainability will play in that future.
Now Jerry is also the number one developer in the Middle East for 2024. Jerry Inzerillo is in charge of one of the most iconic mega projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia known as the development of Driyah.
The Birthplace of Saudi Arabia
Diriyah is the ancestral seat of the Al Saud dynasty and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the site of the First Saudi State, established in 1727. It’s known as the Birthplace of Saudi Arabia
When receiving the award by Construction Week as the number one developer in the Middle East he said:
Hospitality brings people together and makes strangers feel at home – that is the essence of service.
Jerry Inzerillo
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the top developers in the Middle East for 2024. This achievement is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the collective hard work and unwavering dedication of the entire Driyah team.
Guided by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
“Under the visionary guidance of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Diriyah is being transformed into a premier global cultural and entertainment destination. This journey is about more than just development; it’s about reviving the rich history and heritage of Diriyah, known as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Our projects, include the iconic Diryah Square the luxurious Bujairi Terrace, and world-class entertainment venues like The Arena and the Royal Diriyah Opera House. They are all part of our commitment to creating a vibrant, sustainable, and globally recognized touristic hub
Luxury Hotel Developments in Diryah
“With over 40 hotels, including
- Baccarat Hotels & Resorts
- Corinthia Hotels
- Aman
- Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
- Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
L.L.C. Diriyah is all set to redefine luxury and cultural tourism in the region.
“As we continue to progress, we remain committed to enhancing Diriyah’s status as a must-visit destination while contributing to Saudi Vision 2030
“Thank you to Construction Week Middle East for this honor and to everyone who has supported this journey. Together, we are making history in Diriyah.
Jerry Inzerillo is one of the hospitality industry’s most influential figures, having notched up more than five decades of experience championing the sector and its people. From CEO of Forbes Travel Guide to CEO of Morgans Hotel Group to now leading the transformation of the world’s most iconic tourism destination, Diriyah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Inzerillo hails from a family of five generations of bakers. His career in hospitality was born out of necessity, starting as a busboy at the age of 13 and climbing the ranks through various roles to become a titan of the industry.
In June 2018, he was appointed by HRH The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to be the first CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. The authority will turn the historic city of Diriyah into one of the world’s great gathering places. With the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif at its heart, it is set to become Saudi Arabia’s most iconic lifestyle and tourism destination.
Upon completion, the USD 50 billion development will add 27 billion Saudi Riyals to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and provide 55,000 job opportunities. The development will be home to 100,000 people and will aim to attract 27 million visitors annually.
In 2021 he was voted for the Corporate Hotelier of the World by HOTELS magazine in their annual awards.
The title of ‘Hotelier of the World’ recognizes individuals and their careers based on criteria, including how the nominees have defined service standards, operational excellence and performance; creativity in management; and what they have done for the greater good of the global hotel business.
Inzerillo has long been involved with philanthropy and is the proud recipient of a host of awards and distinctions, including the Alexander Shulgin CEO of the Year in Tourism award and the Tourism for Peace Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO), in recognition of his unique contributions to world peace through travel and tourism.
The CNN Connection
In his personal life, Jerry Inzerillo is married to former CNN anchor Prudence Solomon. Their daughter, Helena Zakade Inzerillo, was named by her Godfather, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nelson Mandela. Inzerillo resides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and New York City
