The productive sectors development programme (PSDP) makes a positive impact in Lebanon
In July 2020, the Productive Sectors Development Programme (PSDP) launched a partnership that aims to pool resources, expertise and capacities to support Lebanon’s productive sectors with a particular focus on empowering women and youth in disadvantaged areas. The PSDP, generously funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by six UN agencies (UNIDO, FAO, UNDP, ILO, UNWOMEN and UNICEF), has aimed for gender-responsive job creation and economic growth.
12 steps to building a world-class coffee brand
While the coffee industry is undoubtedly booming, competition remains fierce, with customers spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing their brew. Against this backdrop, Christian Salloum, managing director of BrandPortunity F&B Consulting, shares an essential step-by-step checklist for business leaders looking to create a top-notch coffee brand.
The “back to basics trend”: what hotel operators need to know
Natale V. Barranco, AIA, LEED AP and principal at Urbahn Architects NY, discusses the “back to basics” trend and the focus on personalizing guest experiences.
Why the coffee value chain needs a major rethink
The need to find holistic, fair, sustainable solutions for the coffee industry is becoming increasingly urgent. Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International, explains why the search for answers has to start with the farmers and not with the cup.
Today’s balancing act: automation vs. personalization
Hospitality industry players are increasingly integrating AI technologies into more of their processes, using cutting edge solutions to enhance the guest experience and maximize efficiency. But is there a point at which we risk entering the realm of innovation overreach? And how far is too far? Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, balances the scales.
Blossoming trend: floral design in the Middle East’s hospitality
The Middle East’s hospitality sector is renowned for its elegance and grandeur, where flowers elevate the ambience, creating luxury and warmth. We spoke to three Flowwow florist experts, Rufina Zharapova, Evgenya Kostenko and Rakesh Shrivastava, to get their insights on what’s blooming in floral design for hotels.
The AI takeover in hotel advertising
AI is poised to revolutionize how hotels market themselves, enabling operators to reach their ideal guests by creating personalized, targeted campaigns. Lovetto Nazareth, managing director of Prism Digital, explains why industry players need to put this transformative technology front and center of their hotel advertising strategies.
The lighter side of design in the hospitality sector
Sara Khairallah, founder and principal interior architect at SK Touch, shines a bright light on the trends and practices that are shaping the industry.
A Southeast Asian symphony of flavors
With its beautifully balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavors, it’s no wonder that Thai cuisine is so popular among foodies worldwide. Drawing on both his professional expertise and familial roots, Bon Cheang, head chef at The Thai Kitchen at Park Hyatt Dubai, takes us on a fascinating culinary journey into a world of flavor complexities and combinations.
How to convert clicks into bookings
It’s a fact that virtual visits and viewing video content are steps that almost all of today’s customers will take before making a travel booking. Riky Bains, strategist at Brash, explains why embracing the clickable future, especially YouTube, is crucial in a competitive industry.