Dubai: scaling new heights
Cited in the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023 by Tripadvisor as one of the most popular destinations, Dubai continues to shine and is already well on track for another bright year. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, puts a spotlight on the emirate’s latest plans to boost foreign trade, investment and visitor numbers.
Building on a bright future
Jad Shamseddin, COO, Aleph Hospitality, explains why diversifying its offerings and incorporating new concepts will help the Middle East’s hotel industry to tap into rising demand and edge the competition.
Unlocking the power of data
In the fast-paced world of hospitality and tourism, data-driven decision making has emerged as a game changer. Gone are the days of relying solely on gut feelings and intuition. Today, the key to success lies in harnessing the potential of analytics to gain valuable insights and make well-informed choices. Riky Bains, partner and brand strategist at Klinical, highlights the significance of using analytics in the hospitality and tourism industry and explores how it can pave the way for strategic growth and unparalleled customer experiences.
Firms foundations and strong fundamentals
Robust project pipelines, strong sentiment and long-term growth strategies look set to continue driving a sound recovery across the region, although financing and construction headwinds remain disruptive forces in the market. Amr El Nady, head of hotels and hospitality MEA and executive vice president, Global Hotel Desk – JLL, charts the hospitality investment landscape, while also highlighting new market opportunities.
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.
A new chapter in the region’s growth story
Strategic master plans and reforms point to a growing appetite for hospitality investment and development across the GCC, bringing opportunities to benefit from attractive returns and contribute to the growth and diversification of regional economies. f, president, HVS Middle East, Africa and South Asia, maps out the openings and challenges, and crunches the numbers.
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.
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.
Data: today’s essential tool of navigation
Abdul Kader Saadi, founder and managing director of Eighty6 Shop, explains why building a data-led organization is crucial for success in an ever-evolving business environment.
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.