Tag Archives: Future Hospitality Summit

Speaking at Future Hospitality Summit World in Dubai, HE Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE shared that they target 16% contribution from tourism to GDP by 2031. HE Al Marri further shared that they are on track with the demand and supply and that they target over 450biliion dirhams worth of investments in the hotel industry over the next seven years. Further iterated the need to increase room nights especially by combining medical and wellness tourism. “We are targeting over 450 billion dirhams worth of investments in the hotel industry itself to come in in the next seven years. We are looking at increasing the number of keys, increase the amount of hotels, offers, products coming in. We’re looking at it from a different line. We’re looking at medical tourism, wellness tourism. These are kind of the two topics now that’s really going on in the tourism aspects, but they are segregated. They talk about medical tourism on a separate note, and they talk about wellness tourism on a separate note. To me, wellness and medical has to be combined. I look at it that way because the most important thing is the nights per stay, the tourists who stay in the country. Today, there are about 3 to 4 nights per stay. We want to increase that to 7 nights, 8 nights. That’s the dream for any interest of tourism.”

This year’s Future Hospitality Summit World to be held in Dubai from 30 September to 2 October will focus on industry leaders discussing pathways to net zero and what the industry can do further in order to balance and maintain standards of the industry. TravTalkME as media partners for the event will be looking at conducting interviews with the key leaders of the industry who can share in depth details on how the industry thrives on ESG practices. From decarbonisation to data management and sustainability to staff training, ESG is at the top of the hospitality sector’s agenda, with People, Planet and Profit a key conference track at the upcoming FHS World. With input from Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer, Radisson Hotel Group; Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, Accor; Richard Williamson, Chief Operating Officer, Considerate Group; Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, and Dr. John Blakey, CEO, Executive Coach and Founder, The Trusted Executive. According to Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, the transition to a net zero and equitable hotel industry is essential. “Hotel groups need to use proven, transparent and verifiable methodologies to collect data and calculate their scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon footprints. The focus here is increasingly on auditability of the data and the decision processes, for example as prescribed in regulations such as CSRD. The next step is setting targets to move towards net zero, and report progress regularly. A widely recognized framework is SBTi – the Science Based Targets Initiative. Part of the data for any company will be a combination of accurate actuals and …

Future Hospitality Summit World unveiled its stellar line up of speakers, an action-packed agenda and a wealth of new features at its biggest event to date, which will see more than 1,500 hospitality and tourism leaders descend on Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah, 30 September to 2 October with TravTalk Middle East. Under the theme ‘Invest in our Future’, the FHS World programme will present three days of strong debate, insight and groundbreaking news, covering everything from investment opportunities to innovation and ESG to exclusive announcements. Among more than 110 confirmed top-flight speakers and presenters at FHS World is His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy for the UAE who, having played a crucial role in developing some of country’s most important hospitality and tourism policies, will share his insights on the world of hospitality investment in a welcome address moderated by Stephen Sackur, Presenter of HARDTalk, on 1 October. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of FHS World organiser, The Bench, said: “FHS World is all about bringing together the best in the industry and connecting decision-makers, investors, hotel owners, operators and innovators across the global hospitality investment sector. As the hospitality and tourism industry reaches new heights in terms of investment, innovation and sustainability, our bursting agenda will push boundaries and challenge the norms to set the tone for the immediate, short-term and long-term future and success of the ever-growing and evolving sector. We look forward to three days of strong discussion, hot debate and industry-changing decision making it our biggest, boldest event yet.” Who is speaking at FHS World? The growing list of speakers at FHS World features renowned names in hospitality, investment and tourism. Among them: His Excellency …

The latest white paper released by Future Hospitality Summit focuses on the fact that hospitality asset owners and investors are keen on ramping up technology investment, however, they are challenged by the overwhelming abundance of information and options of tech vendors. This abundance, coupled with the fear of costly mis-investments due to a lack of the right information hampers effective decision-making. Ahead of Future Hospitality Summit, organisers The Bench have published their latest industry white paper on Navigating the Hospitality Tech Investment Landscape. Global investment trends in hospitality technology discussed in the report include an increased focus on automation and the guest experience, in which AI plays a crucial role. According to PwC’s 2023 report, over 70% of hotel executives are prioritising investments in technologies that streamline operations and elevate the guest journey. Key areas of investments include Property Management Systems (PMS), AI in Revenue Management as well as guest technologies such as in-room controls, online check-in, and mobile keys. The white paper also touches on specific areas of untapped potential to drive innovation and enhance the hotel guest experience through tech investment. These include the automation of manual processes to free up valuable time to deliver a more personalised guest experience, and the integration of payments technology for a more seamless guest experience and improved operational efficiency. Technology and innovation will be a key theme of focus at FHS World this year. At the dedicated ‘Tech Zone’, businesses can showcase their tech offerings and connect with C-level hospitality investment decision-makers, hotel owners and operators, and investors.

Future Hospitality Summit kicks off today in Riyadh with TravTalk Middle East as media partner. The three day event from today until 1st May 2024 will witness a great line up of speakers who will share their key facts on tourism, development and infrastructure for tourism, how the sector can overcome potential challenges to ensure that the targets are met and some key trends in the region. Saudi Arabia has recently revised its annual tourism target to 150 million visitors a year by 2030, after achieving the original goal of 100 million seven years ahead of schedule, thanks to the country’s continued – and unprecedented – investment in infrastructure, tourism transformation, hospitality and real estate as part of Vision 2030. With a seemingly endless array of new hotels, resorts and tourist attractions being announced, breaking ground and opening for businesses in KSA, Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia will hone in on the future of successful hotel and destination development in the Kingdom as part of its three day, action packed agenda.  

Since the launch of Saudi Green initiative in 2021, 77 initiatives, with an investment of over US$186 billion, have been activated to drive sustainable growth in line with Vision 2030.ESG is a key focus of the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, 29 April – 1 May, with TravTalkME as media partner and a range of panel debates, expert opinion and initiatives on how KSA’s hospitality and tourism industry of today can play a pivotal role in a sustainable tomorrow. The Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, focuses on combating climate change, improving quality of life and protecting the environment for future generations, all in support of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2060. “ESG plays such a critical role in the future of hospitality, which is why it’s at the forefront of the FHS programme again this year. It’s vital that we come together as an industry and engage in dialogue to drive sustainable development and investment, and integrate sustainable practices in our business strategies,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, The Bench, organisers of the Future Hospitality Summit. Ahead of FHS Saudi Arabia, key leaders in the country’s hospitality and tourism sector share insight on how the Kingdom aims to meet its ESG goals, and what their organisation is doing to play its part. With input from Qusai Al-Fakhri, Chief Executive Officer, TDF; Elie Milky, Vice President Business Development Middle East, Pakistan, Cyprus, and Greece, Radisson Hotel Group; Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO, Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA; Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer Middle East, Marriott …

Saudi Arabia has recently revised its annual tourism target to 150 million visitors a year by 2030, after achieving the original goal of 100 million seven years ahead of schedule, thanks to the country’s continued – and unprecedented – investment in infrastructure, tourism transformation, hospitality and real estate as part of Vision 2030. With a seemingly endless array of new hotels, resorts and tourist attractions being announced, breaking ground and opening for businesses in KSA, Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia will hone in on the future of successful hotel and destination development in the Kingdom as part of its three day, action packed agenda. Ahead of the event, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh from 29 April to 1 May, industry experts discuss the key factors affecting tourism development, and how the sector can overcome potential challenges to ensure government targets are met. Read on for expert opinion from David Vely, Vice President Development & Asset Middle East and Africa, Club Med; Ramine Behnam, Vice President Development, Minor Hotels EMEA; Shahbaz Tufail, Executive Vice President, DAR Engineering; and Stefano Lopez, Tourism Project Director, Baheej Group. Saudi Arabia is looking to attract more than 150 million tourists a year as part of its goals for Vision 2030. What are the most important factors when it comes to hotel and destination development in ensuring that tourism targets are met? David Vely, Vice President Development & Asset Middle East and Africa, Club Med: Firstly, world-class infrastructure, including international airports and an advanced highway network, is crucial to facilitate tourist travel. Secondly, a variety of tourist attractions – from historical sites and beautiful beaches to modern entertainment centers – are needed …

FHS Saudi Arabia, taking place in Riyadh from 29 April to 1 May, has a strong female focus this year, reflecting the rise of women in the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism industries, and encouraging more to embark on a career in the sector. With International Women’s Day (8 March) just around the corner and FHS Saudi Arabia less than two months away, female forces in the Middle East’s hospitality sector share their thoughts on what women already bring to the industry, and how hospitality and tourism businesses can turn KSA’s young women of today into the leaders of tomorrow. As part of its commitment to recognise the important role of women in the sector, FHS Saudi Arabia organiser, The Bench, has launched #FHSWomenPower, a new campaign for this year’s event. Under the initiative, The Bench is offering female Saudi nationals who hold leading positions in the country’s hospitality sector to attend FHS free of charge. Read on for insight and expert opinion from Marie-Louise Ek, Vice President Human Resources Middle East and Africa, Hilton; Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management, Rotana; Marloes Knippenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Kerten Hospitality; Eng. Orobah Filfilan, Architect, Saudi Icon; Norah Al Tamimi, Chief Executive Officer, Baheej Company, and Aseel Bondagjy, Hotel Talent Development Manager, and Maryam AlQahtani, Brand Experience Professional, NEOM. What is your organisation doing to champion gender diversity and women empowerment in the hospitality industry in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the region’s social and economic aspirations? Marie-Louise Ek, Vice President Human Resources Middle East and Africa, Hilton: At Hilton we are in a business of people serving people. We lead with culture and we are committed to creating …

After the record-breaking 2023 edition of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia, which saw over 1,100 delegates from 35+ countries attend, the Kingdom’s most influential hospitality investment event returns to Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh from 29 April to 1 May 2024. Launched in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s G20 Secretariat in 2020, FHS Saudi Arabia brings together the hospitality investment community’s industry leaders and decision-makers to discuss development, investment, entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and human capital with insights on the continued growth of the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism sectors. With the support of host sponsors Al Faisaliah Hotel and Al Khozama Investment, this will be the seventh industry conference organised by The Bench for the Saudi market. “We are thrilled to welcome back Al Faisaliah Hotel and Al Khozama Investment as our host sponsors after the resounding success of this year’s event at the iconic Al Faisaliah Hotel,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. “The objectives of FHS Saudi Arabia are strategically aligned with Vision 2030, and our carefully curated programme will focus on the development and sustainable growth of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia, the adoption of tech, innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector, as well as investment and job creation opportunities.” FHS Saudi Arabia 2024 will address the Kingdom’s latest developments and the industry’s hottest topics under the theme “Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together,” with conference tracks focused on hospitality investment, industry entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and human capital. “The FHS Saudi Arabia Advisory Board convened in Riyadh last month to discuss and shape the event programme and we look forward to developing their invaluable input on topics and speakers into a thought-provoking three-day agenda,” said Tanja …

Elaf Group participated in the ‘Future Hospitality Investment Summit – Saudi Arabia 2023’, which was held from May 7 to 9, 2023, in the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. This year’s summit assembled a huge number of leaders and officials from countries across the globe as well as renowned investors, business owners, developers and operators in the hospitality and hotel services sector, making it the largest edition in the history of this significant event for the region’s hospitality sector. As the event draws industry leaders from around the world, Elaf Group highlighted its most notable hotel services and products as well as the most recent additions to its hotel facilities in Saudi Arabia. The event served as a platform to address challenges and opportunities, promote sustainability and innovation, and enable entrepreneurship in the hospitality sector and shape the future of hospitality in the KSA and the region. During the event, Majed Kaki, Vice President of Elaf Travel and Tourism at Elaf Group participated in the panel discussion titled ‘The Saudi Private Sector and the Saudi Vision 2030’, centred on the private sector’s contribution to the development and growth of tourism sector and execution of developmental projects. In addition, he emphasised the opportunities and possibilities for the expansion of tourism, hospitality and hotel services sectors and reinforced their role as significant private economic contributors in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He further highlighted Elaf Group’s plans to develop its hotel services and products, modify and expand its hospitality facilities in line with the ambitious national plans for tourism, and ensure readiness to welcome more visitors, tourists, pilgrims and Umrah performers. Kaki said: “Elaf Group …