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 …
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