The evolution of travel
Travel has transformed into a whole new adventure, offering exciting options and connections beyond traditional hotels. With over 13 years of experience in hospitality, guest experience, innovation and operations, Imad Moussa, support ops innovation leader at Airbnb, explores the changing landscape of travel, where unconventional choices, personal connections and authentic experiences are redefining travelers’ journeys.
Cider on the rise
Cider has evolved from its humble beginnings to become one of the fastest-growing markets in the drinks industry. While the road is still long, the possibility of cider firmly establishing itself in the Middle East is undeniable, as Soha Frem, founder of WATA cider, points out.
A positive outlook for Lebanon in 2023
Despite multiple crises in Lebanon since 2019, the private sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, indicating a potential recovery that could be further bolstered by positive political developments. This anticipated comeback holds the promise of renewed growth and prosperity. Chadi Chidiac, managing partner of Protocol Hospitality Management and Consultancy, tells us more.
The importance of mapping the food and beverage offerings in malls
Planning the placement of food and beverage units in malls requires careful consideration, as Christian Salloum, founder and managing director of BrandPortunity Hospitality Consultancy, points out.
Four tech trends that are shaping the new travel era
With travel worldwide in the midst of a resurge following more than two years of global uncertainty, travelers have understandably developed high expectations for their long-awaited trips. Joy Ghosh, head of commercial, hospitality, Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Amadeus, explains how tech innovations are enhancing the travel experience in 2023.
Consumer trends that the hospitality industry cannot afford to ignore
In today’s operating environment, pivoting from an established business model and adapting marketing tactics to accommodate new trends are a must. Vineetha Sony, Head of Trade, OCO Global, explains why acting on consumers’ changing tastes, preferences and needs is essential for both success and survival.
Oman: a unique gem in the GCC
Justin Kenny, consultant at Colliers for the Hotels MENA Region, explains how the sultanate is carving its own identity as an attractive destination with a diverse offering, despite tough competition from its neighbors.
Leveraging AI to reach travelers
With leisure travel returning to pre-pandemic levels, travel and hospitality companies are looking for ways to reach travelers through personalized summer campaigns using AI-powered programmatic advertising. Tech, marketing and digital strategy expert Terry Kane, managing director ME and Africa of Trade Desk, tells us more.
Closing the gender gap
Work still needs to be done to ensure that women are represented in higher-grade roles and remunerated accordingly, as Mark Dickinson of DONE! Hospitality Training Solutions points out.
Food delivery’s sustainable future
The F&B industry and food delivery services find themselves engaged in a tug of war, with businesses striving to increase profits while simultaneously considering the shift toward sustainability, which inevitably brings about operational changes. Tech disruptor and global entrepreneur Mohamed Al Fayed, CEO and co-founder of Grubtech, tackles the challenges faced by the industry to establish a delicate balance between financial growth and environmental consciousness.