To refurbish or to build new?
It’s a million-dollar question and one that many hotel developers may need to ask themselves in the initial phase of project planning. Both options offer exciting opportunities, but also present challenges. Chirine Salha, board member of the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Night-clubs & Pastries in Lebanon, weighs up the pros and cons.
How to create a culinary landmark
Duncan Fraser-Smith, founder of The Cutting Edge Hospitality Agency and author of “Create to Plate,” discusses restaurant trends in Saudi Arabia and the broader global trends impacting the industry.
Why third-party operator contracts are gaining traction
In an industry marked for decades by tradition, new hotel operation contract models are producing shifts in the landscape. Jad Shamseddin, COO of Aleph Hospitality,, explains why these more recent additions are becoming increasingly popular.
Designing standout spaces for today’s guests
Creating memorable moments for customers has rightly become a top priority for hospitality providers and interior architecture is playing a key role in helping them to achieve these goals. Dina Murali, design director at DZ Design, shares her ideas on how to successfully evoke that all-important sense of place and create environments that will leave lasting impressions on visitors.
Regional hotel pipelines: from vision to reality
The regional hotel investment and development environment is undoubtedly dynamic, buoyed by a robust pipeline of ambitious and diverse projects. Kostas Nikolaidis, senior account manager MEA for STR, maps out the hotel projects which are collectively transforming the Middle East into a world-class tourism destination.
How to go the extra green mile in hotel development
Today’s travelers are seeking sustainable experiences that align with their values, offering industry investors and developers the opportunity to implement eco-solutions that are truly innovative. Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International, offers a definition of sustainable tourism which goes well beyond the dictionary versions and is one that the hospitality industry can’t afford to ignore.
Saudi Arabia’s transformation: a new chapter unfolds
Saudi Arabia continues to roll out its impressive mega projects against a backdrop of record tourism demand, despite also having to accommodate a challenging external economic environment. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, analyzes the strategies that the Kingdom is adopting for the next phase of its socioeconomic development, which include seeking out alternative funding options and new partners.
Balancing profits with sustainability in the world of hospitality
In a competitive and often unpredictable business environment, profitability enables companies to weather economic challenges and uncertainties. However, as Aamir Riaz, COO of Amsa Hospitality, explains, true business success transcends financial figures, encompassing a positive impact on the environment and society.
5 top tips for exporting to new markets
At a time when the region’s FMCG firms face a challenging economic environment, it makes sense to increase the focus on international sales. Sam A. Jaoude, consultant and CEO of Madenlebanon LLC, shares a checklist of essential steps to getting export ready.