In focus: Saudi Arabia’s hospitality boom with Marco Rentsch
Marco Rentsch, a partner at PwC’s Global Consulting Hospitality & Tourism Center of Excellence, has two decades of experience in consulting across EMEA, collaborating primarily with significant government entities in Saudi Arabia. His expertise revolves around crafting and executing innovative strategies that are shaping the dynamic hospitality and tourism sector within KSA. In this exclusive interview, he sheds light on the ever-changing landscape of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry.
Wrapping up the summer season with hospitality champion Tony Ramy, president of RCNP Lebanon
Through his restaurant group and work as president of Lebanon’s RCNP Syndicate, Tony Ramy has dedicated his life to championing Lebanon as a tourist destination. We sat down with the restaurateur to reflect on the 2023 summer season and how the hospitality sector has fared.
Talking about Saudi Arabia with Aldert van Zyl, GM of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh
Aldert van Zyl has over 20 years’ experience in hospitality across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He believes that consistency is the key to success and does not shy away from risks, especially in his role as GM of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center. Here, he tells us about his journey to the top, his plans for the hotel and how KSA’s hospitality scene is evolving.
Spotlight on Coral Beach Beirut with new GM Georges Chakra
Georges Chakra, general manager of Coral Beach Beirut, has a proven track record in the hospitality industry. With extensive experience in overseeing all aspects of the hotel, he shares his vision for establishing and cultivating a customer-centric service culture, as well as ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations that consistently surpass guest expectations.
Interview with Maximilian Rauch, Ascott’s head of F&B for Middle East, Africa and Turkey
Throughout his impressive career, Maximilian Rauch has held key positions across the hospitality and corporate sectors. In his new role, he will be responsible for Ascott’s portfolio of owners and restaurant operators across the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Turkey and Kenya, creating dedicated training programs, implementing customized service solutions and bolstering industry specific partnerships to strengthen the group’s F&B offerings. With his extensive background in culinary management, Rauch tells us how he is planning to elevate Ascott’s F&B offerings.
Getting to know Imad Akil, GM of Centro Mada Amman by Rotana
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Imad Akil, GM of Centro Mada Amman by Rotana, has successfully led the opening of multiple hotels in the region. In addition, he has played a pivotal role in supporting Rotana’s head office through various field visits and corporate initiatives. We sat down with the accomplished hotelier to discuss the hotel’s sustainability pledge and how the Jordan’s hospitality sector is evolving.
In the kitchen with Biju Mohamed
As executive chef of Elite Group Hotels, Biju Mohamed tells us about his career highlights, plans for 2023 and shows us how to make his famous baked sea bass dish.
Looking into the future of luxury hospitality with David Wilson
HN spoke with David Wilson, an industry veteran and GM of Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, to find out what the future holds for the luxury property.
A touch of Provencal charm with chef Rita Yazbek
Chef Rita Yazbek’s culinary journey in the world of hospitality and gastronomy is nothing short of inspiring. Having worked alongside renowned chefs like Adrien Trouilloud and Alain Ducasse, she played an instrumental role in the success of SUD Restobar, which she co-founded. Yazbek is now embarking on an exciting culinary adventure with her new project Cezanne in Dbayeh, just outside Beirut. We find out more about the venue that exudes Provencal charm.
5 minutes with Etienne Sabbagh the visionary behind Baron
Etienne Sabbagh, owner of Baron restaurant, Beirut, has 23 years of expertise in F&B and operations management. In an exclusive interview he reveals the recipe for success.
