Why the GCC is well placed to capitalize on the wellness trend

Why the GCC is well placed to capitalize on the wellness trend

The wellness tourism industry is going from strength to strength, buoyed by our increasing commitment to prioritizing self-care. Home to an abundance of natural resources with therapeutic properties and breathtaking landscapes, the GCC is ideally placed to establish itself as a global destination for tourists looking to focus on their mental and physical wellbeing, as Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International explains.

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Empowering the F&B sector to source local talent

Empowering the F&B sector to source local talent

As Dubai solidifies its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, the critical role of vocational training in shaping a skilled workforce has never been clearer. In recent years, a remarkable shift in educational preferences has occurred, with an increasing number of students recognizing the immense value of vocational studies over traditional technical education. This transformative transition not only benefits the students themselves but also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainable growth of the burgeoning tourism industry. In addition, a robust vocational offering aligns with a key priority of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to seamlessly integrate the next generation of Emiratis and young residents into the thriving tourism sector. Essa Bin Hadher, general manager of Dubai College of Tourism, shares his thoughts on investing in local talents.

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Growing with the Middle East

Growing with the Middle East

With regional tourism in the midst of a robust rebound, the timing is ideal for businesses across the industry to put their own expansion plans into practice. It’s all about seizing the moment, according to Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder, Gates Hospitality.

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Why budget lifestyle hotels are breaking the mold

Why budget lifestyle hotels are breaking the mold

With travelers seeking out better lodging experiences and affordable deals, cheap, chic offerings are proving to be the new industry disruptors, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains.

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Where sweet meets sour

Where sweet meets sour

Syrups are today firmly established as an essential ingredient for bartenders and mixologists worldwide, enabling these creatives to add flavor, taste and imagination to classic beverages or give new concepts a contemporary twist. We asked seven experts to share their thoughts on all things syrup-related, from trending flavors and industry innovations to how they achieve that perfect balance in a glass. Here’s what they had to say.

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Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

Ten chocolatiers and pastry chefs tell us what’s creating a buzz on the scene of our favorite sweet treat, from exotic, imaginative combinations of flavors to non-dairy alternatives and single-origin, ethically sourced cocoa beans.

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Travel redefined

Travel redefined

The regional travel industry is booming, buoyed by increased confidence, pent-up demand and MENA countries’ successful efforts to position themselves globally as attractive destinations. However, today’s travelers have different requirements, priorities and wish lists. Ten industry experts explain how their hotel brand is adapting to accommodate a new era of guests, while also sharing their far-reaching regional expansion plans.

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How to work with Influencers

How to work with Influencers

In today’s landscape, one of the most effective ways to elevate your brand and reach your audience is by working with influencers. Influencers have become key opinion leaders, with the power to influence their followers through the content they share, including their favorite restaurants, products and experiences. For the hospitality sector, tapping into this influential network can be a game-changer, offering unique opportunities to connect with potential customers and increase brand visibility, according to Zena Hamdan, founder and CEO of Against All Odds. Here, she tells us more.

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Levantine cuisine fab or fad by Michelin Starred chef Greg Malouf

Levantine cuisine fab or fad by Michelin Starred chef Greg Malouf

Michelin-starred chef Greg Malouf, recognized as the master of modern Middle Eastern food and co-author of several internationally acclaimed cookbooks, tackles the question of how Levantine cooking has pushed the boundaries to become an iconic cuisine.

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Pulse check Egypt

Pulse check Egypt

As the Ukraine war is dragging on into another year, so are the economic troubles of Egypt, highly dependent on imports of wheat and all types of non-food commodities. The Egyptian treasury market was also badly hit, as investors withdrew billions of dollars. The Central Bank could not prevent inflation from reaching an annual surge of 33.9 percent in March, with the Egyptian pound plunging to unprecedented levels. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains the country’s current state and forecasts its future.

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