Oman: a unique gem in the GCC
Justin Kenny, consultant at Colliers for the Hotels MENA Region, explains how the sultanate is carving its own identity as an attractive destination with a diverse offering, despite tough competition from its neighbors.
Why coffee shops are causing a stir
While coffee culture might have been slower to take root in the Middle East than across some other regions, it has certainly caught up in recent years, with bustling cafés today in malls and on street corners offering countless interpretations of our favorite drink. Christian Salloum, founder and managing director of BrandPortunity Hospitality Consultancy, tells us what’s brewing on the regional coffee scene.
Is F&B outsourcing on its way out?
Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, charts the growing trend among hotel owners to take back their F&B offering inhouse and highlights the benefits of doing so, which include regaining control in key areas and opportunities to increase profits.
Why we’re sticking with Japanese cuisine
Light, healthy and convenient, sushi unsurprisingly remains a top eating trend internationally, with regional appetite on the rise for sushi and other Japanese dishes. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, tracks both the history of Japanese food and the latest trends, from humble rolls of rice to flavorsome fusion experience.
Why Nikkei cuisine is making waves in the MENA region
According to Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, Nikkei cuisine is dominating the international food scene. Here, he explains its rising popularity, especially in the MENA region.
How to build a strong franchise
Whether you are a franchisor or a franchisee, there are several important considerations to take into account before entering into a franchise agreement, as Christian Salloum, founder and managing director of BrandPortunity Hospitality Consultancy, points out.
International travel: what to expect in 2023
The pandemic taught us that nothing should be taken for granted. And, with most countries having now lifted all Covid-19-related restrictions, the vast majority of people are keen to once again make travel an important part of their lives, albeit in a year of no-normal, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, explains.
9 influential restaurateurs at the table
We asked a group of successful restaurateurs to share their insights, philosophies and upcoming projects with Hospitality News Middle East. Here’s what they had to say.
Catch of the day: Seafood trends
International cuisine has transformed beyond recognition in recent decades. Greater exposure to cuisines from farflung corners of the world, via digital platforms such as social media, has introduced us to new dining concepts that meant little to us just a few years ago. With this in mind, Abdul Kader Saadi, founder and managing director of Eighty6 Shop, gives us the lowdown on seafood and why it is becoming more popular by the hour.
Consumer trends that the hospitality industry cannot afford to ignore
In today’s operating environment, pivoting from an established business model and adapting marketing tactics to accommodate new trends are a must. Vineetha Sony, Head of Trade, OCO Global, explains why acting on consumers’ changing tastes, preferences and needs is essential for both success and survival.