Shaping the future of hotel luxury through experience-driven design
Luxury hospitality is evolving beyond marble lobbies and fine linens. Norman Cescut, founder and CEO at Desita, has the lowdown on how high-end hotels are defined by emotion, culture and purpose.
Hotel growth: framing the funding forces of the future
Gone are the days when regional investors had to rely on traditional bank financing for major hospitality developments. Today, new capital pathways are emerging at pace across the Middle East, offering business leaders alternative funding options for tomorrow’s projects. Jonathan Worsley, chairman of The Bench and organizer of the Future Hospitality Summit, caught up with three industry experts to explore how these evolving financing models are reshaping regional hotel investment decisions and driving new growth.
Why restaurants must go digital-first
In a world where experience, speed and storytelling define consumer choices, restaurants born from bricks are now being eclipsed by restaurants born from bandwidth. Judith Cartwright, founder at Black Coral Consulting, explains why eateries today are all about content, community and cultural equity.
A classic comeback: inside British cuisine’s renaissance
Brimming with dishes that showcase local, sustainably sourced ingredients, Britain’s culinary scene is enjoying a well-deserved revival. Tom Aikens, chef and proprietor at Muse, explains how inspired culinary creatives are delighting diners countrywide by reinterpreting Best-of-British classics.
How sustainability became strategy for MENA hotel developers
Once an add-on, sustainability now sits firmly at the top of hotel developers’ lists, forming a key part of the planning, the financing and the delivery of major projects. Nicolas Mayer, PwC Middle East partner, tourism, sports and entertainment leader, explains how regional destinations are ensuring hospitality investment dovetails with their long-term goals to build resilience and remain relevant.
How alternative proteins are redefining hospitality menus
Alternative proteins are no longer reserved for vegans. Today, they serve as a strategic tool for hospitality businesses aiming to future-proof menus, reduce costs and attract a wider customer base. Nada Elbarshoumi, founder and CEO of Kinfoli Culinary Consultancy, explores the growing role of alternative proteins in hospitality.
Midscale momentum: why investors are betting on the middle ground
Offering a winning combination of affordability, comfort and convenience, mid-market hotels are flourishing, often outpacing other key segments when it comes to growth. Jad Shamseddin, COO at Aleph Hospitality, explains why these sometimes overlooked properties are fast becoming the strategic investment choice for forward-thinking investors.
Closer to home: domestic tourism has its day
Tourism is undoubtedly enjoying a post-pandemic boom. However, travel patterns are changing, with a rising number of vacationers choosing to spend time nearer to where they live. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, shares his thoughts on how the hospitality industry can tap into this growing trend.
Why wellness resorts offer healthy investment opportunities
Today’s travelers are prioritizing their health and wellbeing more than ever before, triggering the rapid development worldwide of dedicated resorts and driving mainstream hotels to expand their facilities. Hala Matar Choufany, president of HVS Middle East and Africa, drills down into the numbers and explains why health-related resorts offer significant potential for regional developers.
Asian cuisine in focus with Jack Lam Yeung, chef de cuisine at Ming Pavilion, Island Shangri-La
We explore Asian cuisine, where tradition meets innovation, through the lens of Hokkien cooking, guided by Jack Lam Yeung, chef de cuisine at Ming Pavilion, Island Shangri-La.
