Laurent A. Voivenel’s take on AI during the Hospitality Innovation Summit 2023

Laurent A. Voivenel’s take on AI during the Hospitality Innovation Summit 2023

During the Hospitality Innovation Summit 2023 panel on “Hotel Innovation: How to ensure relevance today and tomorrow,” Laurent A. Voivenel, SVP of operations and development EMEA and India Group Human Resources and Talent Development of Swiss-Belhotel International, highlighted the potential benefits and risks of AI. The panel was moderated by Christopher Lund, executive director and head of hotels for the MENA region at Colliers International, and other speakers on the panel included Imran Changezi, development senior director of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority; Ian Wilson, regional director for hospitality of NEOM; and Chadi Hauch, regional VP lodging development ME of Marriott International.

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Inside the restaurant of the future

Inside the restaurant of the future

The design of a restaurant is far more than its color palette and choice of furnishings. Design is embedded in how we interact with the spaces around us and how we feel within them. Charlotte Mindus, B2B and marketing leader at Livit, a leading design firm, guides us through the restaurant of the future.

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Neom in the spotlight with Peter Fitzhardinge

Neom in the spotlight with Peter Fitzhardinge

Built around cognitive cities, NEOM is unlike anything the world has ever seen. We find out what’s planned, with Peter Fitzhardinge, NEOM’s acting head of tourism.

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Middle East and Africa region set to return to pre-pandemic levels of business travel spend by 2024

Middle East and Africa region set to return to pre-pandemic levels of business travel spend by 2024

According to Business Travel Index Outlook annual forecast and outlook (2022), the business travel segment in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is recovering more rapidly than in any other region. MEA business travel achieved 86 percent of its 2019 levels during 2022, outperforming the recovery in Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.

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Hospitality Innovation Summit slated for March 2023

Hospitality Innovation Summit slated for March 2023

The Hospitality Innovation Summit – Saudi Arabia and the UAE is set to take place on March 15-16, 2023, at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. It will forge a hospitality fraternity between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, allowing trade people to meet, build, and co-create new business collaborations with solution providers and industry peers.

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Breaking sourdough bread with Ghadi Aouad

Breaking sourdough bread with Ghadi Aouad

Ghadi Aouad, a 27-year-old Lebanese-Brazilian hotelier-turned-baker and entrepreneur, successfully launched Masa (con mi) Madre, his bread concept, a couple of years ago. Here, he talks about his journey and what he’s planning in 2023.

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Georges Mansour appointed executive chef of InterContinental Jordan 

Georges Mansour appointed executive chef of InterContinental Jordan 

InterContinental Jordan has appointed Georges Mansour as its new executive chef to oversee the hotel’s culinary activities. He brings with him over two decades of experience working in upscale hotels and fine-dining establishments.

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Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment unveils the largest snow park in the MENA region  

Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment unveils the largest snow park in the MENA region  

Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment has inaugurated Snow Oman, reaffirming its commitment to delivering innovative experiences for guests across the region and marking another milestone in its investment strategy in the sultanate.

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Spilling the coffee beans with Segafredo

Spilling the coffee beans with Segafredo

SIGEP, the renowned dessert and coffee expo, returned to Fiera di Rimini, Italy, from January 20-24, 2023. We caught up with Marco Comellini, Segafredo’s marketing director for Italy, at the spectacular event to learn more about the company’s activities at home and abroad.

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KSA’s booming quick-service

KSA’s booming quick-service

Chadi Chidiac, managing partner of Protocol Hospitality Management and Consultancy, takes a closer look at the growth of KSA’s fast-food market in terms of healthier food options, improved customer service and product diversification.

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