JLL reports KSA’s strong performance in the hospitality sector
In the ever-evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors, recent data from JLL paints a vivid picture of growth and innovation as the government’s investment in tourism development drives the kingdom’s strong performance in the hospitality sector.
Navigating the new norms in hospitality asset management
The hospitality sector has encountered a range of challenges and transformations over the past few years, primarily driven by technological advancements, societal expectations, and the ongoing repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, the norms governing hospitality asset management have undergone significant shifts, placing heightened importance on digital transformation, sustainability, flexibility, health and safety, revenue management and data-driven decision-making. Bastien Blanc, hotelier and co-founder of TroKadero Management, tells us more.
Lebanon: a country of contrasts
Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, discusses the disconnect between Lebanon’s economic struggles and its booming tourism sector.
Bright outlook for GCC hotel industry
Having cemented its status as a global tourist destination, the region is well placed to attract new investment for the industry, following a swift post-pandemic rebound marked by impressive visitor numbers, huge project pipelines and the introduction of business-friendly initiatives, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.
Dubai: scaling new heights
Cited in the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023 by Tripadvisor as one of the most popular destinations, Dubai continues to shine and is already well on track for another bright year. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, puts a spotlight on the emirate’s latest plans to boost foreign trade, investment and visitor numbers.
Firms foundations and strong fundamentals
Robust project pipelines, strong sentiment and long-term growth strategies look set to continue driving a sound recovery across the region, although financing and construction headwinds remain disruptive forces in the market. Amr El Nady, head of hotels and hospitality MEA and executive vice president, Global Hotel Desk – JLL, charts the hospitality investment landscape, while also highlighting new market opportunities.
A bright new era for regional tourism
The Middle East’s hospitality sector is currently witnessing a remarkable upsurge, with significant growth and extensive development under way in travel, tourism and hotel construction. This expansion has been propelled by several factors, including ambitious infrastructure projects, strategic investments and a sharpened focus among key players on developing the sector.
Pulse check Egypt
As the Ukraine war is dragging on into another year, so are the economic troubles of Egypt, highly dependent on imports of wheat and all types of non-food commodities. The Egyptian treasury market was also badly hit, as investors withdrew billions of dollars. The Central Bank could not prevent inflation from reaching an annual surge of 33.9 percent in March, with the Egyptian pound plunging to unprecedented levels. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains the country’s current state and forecasts its future.
The importance of mapping the food and beverage offerings in malls
Planning the placement of food and beverage units in malls requires careful consideration, as Christian Salloum, founder and managing director of BrandPortunity Hospitality Consultancy, points out.
Why budget lifestyle hotels are breaking the mold
With travelers seeking out better lodging experiences and affordable deals, cheap, chic offerings are proving to be the new industry disruptors, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains.