Resilient Lebanon: tourism’s triumphant phoenix
Lebanon is a phoenix, according to Amine Moukarzel, president and partner of Louvre Hotels Group and Golden Tulip Hotels MENA. Here, the veteran hotelier shares his thoughts on the country’s rise.
Wellness design trends are here to stay
As a NYC-based Urbahn Architects associate specializing in hospitality design, Ryan E. Bieber, RA and LEED AP, discusses the guest-room trends that will define 2024.
The latest UAE food trends for 2024 by The European Union
Furukawa Electric, a prominent Japanese manufacturer specializing in comprehensive communication network infrastructure solutions, is attuned to evolving consumer demands. In this article, they address the trend that center on catering to the glamping needs of the “Instagrammable” generation.
Unleashing the F&B potential of emerging markets
In a region marked by transition and transformation, food entrepreneurs have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a destination for a new project. However, while emerging markets are brimming with opportunities, they also present unique challenges. Christian Salloum, managing director of BrandPortunity F&B Consulting, offers a checklist for businesses eyeing openings in changing landscapes.
KSA: transformation on an unprecedented scale
Saudi Arabia’s far-reaching vision to diversify its economy and boost the non-oil sector is delivering extraordinary results, ensuring that the Kingdom remains firmly in the headlines and on investors’ radars. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, charts the latest developments in KSA’s fascinating growth story, which range from giga-project pipelines and an ever-expanding private sector to record tourism revenues.
Regional casinos: a safe bet or a long shot?
While the legalization of gambling in the Middle East has long been a topic of fierce debate, news of industry developments in the UAE have now put this contentious issue firmly back in the spotlight. Against that backdrop, Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, assesses the odds of the region positioning itself as a global gaming hub and go-to destination for casino giants.
Why cities are back on must-visit lists
Having risen from the depths of the pandemic, urban centers are today riding high on a wave of success, with visitors returning to these traditionally popular destinations in ever-growing numbers. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services, takes us on a whistlestop tour during which he explains why cities are booming.
Midscale and economy: the new kids on the block
Firmly established as a hospitality investment hotspot, the GCC is now witnessing new industry trends, including growth beyond the luxury segment. These efforts to boost visitor numbers by broadening the tourism offering are already paying dividends in key regional destinations, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.
UAE and Saudi Arabian travel will further develop GCC tourism
Al Rais Travel has highlighted the latest trends supporting the growth of the tourism industry in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC, as visitors from key source markets — including the UK and China — continue to rise.
7 ways to build and sustain a viable F&B business
Bastien Blanc, CEO and board member at TroKadero Hospitality Global, outlines the areas of focus that should be in every strategy aimed at securing a restaurant’s long-term success.