Building direct online sales channel in hospitality: strategy and opportunities in 2025
Over the last 25 years, hotel chains have relied on online travel agencies (OTAs) in both dynamic and nuanced ways. OTAs have become valuable distribution partners, but the arrangement was not always idyllic. It is not uniform either, as not all tourism markets and countries are using online channels in the same way (Statista, April 2024). In larger hotel companies, higher dependency on OTAs can give rise to profitability concerns that are increasingly difficult to ignore. This is especially the case in well-established hotel brands.
Bateel’s success in the GCC with Wojciech Orlowski, country director of Saudi Arabia
Since 2019, Wojciech Orlowski has been driving Bateel’s portfolio in KSA. Here, he tells us about the company’s achievements and future projects.
Digitizing the dining scene: innovative payment solutions in F&B
With over 18 years of experience in the industry, Noel Moukheiver has been instrumental in expanding MontyPay’s global presence and enhancing its services. Here, he delves into innovative strategies and current trends in the realm of digital payments, addressing the unique needs of the F&B sector.
Woman at the forefront with Janina Wolkow, founder of Sumosan Dubai
Since 2002, Janina Wolkow has been leading the team at Sumosan Dubai, a restaurant known for its innovative Japanese cuisine and exceptional hospitality. Here, we discover how she has overcome challenges to position the brand as a symbol of excellence.
Why it’s important to keep up with hospitality trends in 2024
The hospitality industry is more dynamic and competitive than ever. Therefore, businesses in the sector must stay ahead of the curve when it comes to adapting to emerging trends. Moreover, satisfying customers’ evolving needs is vital for driving innovation, boosting revenue, and ensuring sustainability in the long run. Nazih Hafez, vice chairman of Sunset Hospitality Group, gives his opinion on why it’s important to keep pace with the latest hospitality trends.
How to harness the digital and delivery dining trends
Abdul Kader Saadi, founder and managing director of Eighty6, unpacks these two key industry disruptors and explains how restaurateurs can turn tech-led challenges into opportunities.
Salad on the menu with SALATA’s CEO Georges Bandar and COO Yara Abou Jaoudeh
Guiding us through the inception and evolution of SALATA, CEO Georges Bandar and COO Yara Abou Jaoudeh explain how they managed to create such a successful brand and expand beyond Lebanon.
Solution: 3 ideas hotels should consider as they welcome back guests
Now that we think about human contact and cleanliness differently, how must hotels rethink the guest experience so that guests feel comfortable to be in a public setting again?
