While the first nine months of 2024 were steady for Kuwait’s hospitality sector, several high-profile events in the final quarter provided a welcome year-end lift, enabling the sector to finish on a high. We track the trends that hoteliers say characterized 2024 and consider what the industry can look forward to in the coming months.
Year-end boost
The year 2024 was a positive one for Kuwait’s hospitality industry, with a steady first nine months giving way to heightened activity in the final quarter thanks to key events that included the GCC Summit and the Arabian Gulf Cup. “These events provided a significant boost, helping us to surpass expectations,” Federico Mantoani, general manager, Grand Hyatt Kuwait and area vice president for Kuwait and Oman said. This welcome year-end boost helped several properties to meet or even edge their full-year projections.
The power of partnerships
Government support and business initiatives are both seen as having made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry’s positive performance in 2024, reaffirming the widely held view that public-and-private-sector collaboration is key in driving growth. “The government’s efforts in easing visa regulations and hosting large-scale events played a key role,” Martin Kipping, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya noted. “However, the private sector’s adaptability and ability to innovate were equally critical.”
The year 2024 also saw hoteliers sharpen their focus on innovation and tech solutions, especially AI, in their operations. “Guests can now request services or amenities instantly through apps, which enhances their experience,” said Andreas Wissdorf, multi-property general manager, Marriott Hotels Kuwait.
These are recognized as delivering all-round benefits to both customers and businesses. However, the importance of retaining an element of human interaction is widely acknowledged, especially in the luxury segment, where it is seen as essential in helping to ensure guests receive a personalized service.
Sustainability – now a necessity
Alongside the implementation of tech solutions, sustainability was also at the forefront of strategic decisions and development plans in hospitality in 2024, with industry leaders taking steps to align their operations with global trends and guest expectations. “Many guests, particularly younger travelers, are now prioritizing sustainable accommodations, making it a key competitive factor,” said Saleh Bataineh, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait.
Innovative thinking for recruitment
Recruitment and retention remain one of the key challenges that the hospitality industry faces in Kuwait, although international job fairs now being held locally are proving to be effective. Industry players are also organizing their own initiatives to help overcome hurdles in this field, which include adopting and implementing innovative programs and criteria for hiring and training.
Looking ahead, the hospitality industry’s prospects for 2025 appear to be bright, with more high-profile events, including the popular Ya Hala shopping festival, again expected to help boost tourism. Against this positive backdrop, Kuwait is poised for further tourism expansion, buoyed by a robust project pipeline, spanning new hospitality developments and renovation work on key properties.
Insights from HORECA Talks 2025 at HORECA Lebanon, Leaders Group, Hospitality News Middle East and Hodema Consulting Services. Session moderated by Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services.
If you missed Horeca Talks 2025, catch up on all the discussions here:
High-profile events in Q4 wrap up a successful year for Kuwait’s hospitality sector
While the first nine months of 2024 were steady for Kuwait’s hospitality sector, several high-profile events in the final quarter provided a welcome year-end lift, enabling the sector to finish on a high. We track the trends that hoteliers say characterized 2024 and consider what the industry can look forward to in the coming months.
Year-end boost
The year 2024 was a positive one for Kuwait’s hospitality industry, with a steady first nine months giving way to heightened activity in the final quarter thanks to key events that included the GCC Summit and the Arabian Gulf Cup. “These events provided a significant boost, helping us to surpass expectations,” Federico Mantoani, general manager, Grand Hyatt Kuwait and area vice president for Kuwait and Oman said. This welcome year-end boost helped several properties to meet or even edge their full-year projections.
The power of partnerships
Government support and business initiatives are both seen as having made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry’s positive performance in 2024, reaffirming the widely held view that public-and-private-sector collaboration is key in driving growth. “The government’s efforts in easing visa regulations and hosting large-scale events played a key role,” Martin Kipping, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya noted. “However, the private sector’s adaptability and ability to innovate were equally critical.”
The year 2024 also saw hoteliers sharpen their focus on innovation and tech solutions, especially AI, in their operations. “Guests can now request services or amenities instantly through apps, which enhances their experience,” said Andreas Wissdorf, multi-property general manager, Marriott Hotels Kuwait.
These are recognized as delivering all-round benefits to both customers and businesses. However, the importance of retaining an element of human interaction is widely acknowledged, especially in the luxury segment, where it is seen as essential in helping to ensure guests receive a personalized service.
Sustainability – now a necessity
Alongside the implementation of tech solutions, sustainability was also at the forefront of strategic decisions and development plans in hospitality in 2024, with industry leaders taking steps to align their operations with global trends and guest expectations. “Many guests, particularly younger travelers, are now prioritizing sustainable accommodations, making it a key competitive factor,” said Saleh Bataineh, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait.
Innovative thinking for recruitment
Recruitment and retention remain one of the key challenges that the hospitality industry faces in Kuwait, although international job fairs now being held locally are proving to be effective. Industry players are also organizing their own initiatives to help overcome hurdles in this field, which include adopting and implementing innovative programs and criteria for hiring and training.
Looking ahead, the hospitality industry’s prospects for 2025 appear to be bright, with more high-profile events, including the popular Ya Hala shopping festival, again expected to help boost tourism. Against this positive backdrop, Kuwait is poised for further tourism expansion, buoyed by a robust project pipeline, spanning new hospitality developments and renovation work on key properties.
Insights from HORECA Talks 2025 at HORECA Lebanon, Leaders Group, Hospitality News Middle East and Hodema Consulting Services. Session moderated by Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services.
If you missed Horeca Talks 2025, catch up on all the discussions here:
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