Negotiating a franchise agreement: a 5-point checklist
At a time when the region’s FMCG firms face a challenging economic environment, it makes sense to increase the focus on international sales. Sam A. Jaoude, consultant and CEO of Madenlebanon LLC, shares a checklist of essential steps to getting export ready.
Getting to know James Knight-Pacheco, co-founder of Group JKP
With over 20 years of culinary expertise, James Knight-Pacheco has worked alongside world-renowned chefs, including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. His television appearances on the BBC have further cemented his reputation in the culinary world. We explore Knight-Pacheco’s journey, driven by innovation, mentorship and a passion for storytelling, and his responsibilities as co-founder of Group JKP, a leading hospitality consultancy firm.
5 nightlife entrepreneurs on the power of experiential entertainment
The MENA nightlife scene is rapidly evolving, with established destinations still setting trends and untapped markets poised for growth. Five industry experts share their thoughts on what’s making waves in the world of late-night entertainment, from trendsetting to storytelling.
How to go the extra green mile in hotel development
Today’s travelers are seeking sustainable experiences that align with their values, offering industry investors and developers the opportunity to implement eco-solutions that are truly innovative. Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International, offers a definition of sustainable tourism which goes well beyond the dictionary versions and is one that the hospitality industry can’t afford to ignore.
3 key takeaways for hoteliers eyeing long-term success
Putting zero-waste initiatives into practice successfully can be a challenge for businesses, but will pay dividends over time, as Bastien Blanc, hotelier and co-founder of TroKadero Management, explains.
Tracking customer behavior in hospitality
Combining advanced technology with the hospitality industry’s key principle of guest-centric service, AI is already taking the customer experience to new heights. Ashleigh Donald, co-founder of Halo Business Consulting, explains how businesses can harness this all-important innovation.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious hotel room expansion
Turab Saleem, partner and head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory, Knight Frank MENA emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a major global tourism market, driven by ambitious giga and mega projects.
Bringing out the best in Burj on Bay Hotel with Nicolas Broumana, director of operations
Nicolas Broumana, seasoned hospitality leader and director of operations at Burj On Bay Hotel, Société Cordon Bleu Liban, shares his vision for positioning the 5-star hotel as a regional beacon of luxury, hospitality and innovation.
How to strategize in uncertain times
In a year when the economic outlook is uncertain to say the least, building on strengths and implementing strategies has never mattered more. Bastien Blanc, CEO and board member at TroKadero Hospitality Global, has advice on how to read mixed economic messages and emerge stronger on the other side.
Franchising in 2025: which are the best bets?
Well-established business models and numerous success stories have combined to make hospitality and food and beverage highly popular segments for prospective franchisees. However, in a competitive market, brimming with brands, making the right choice is critical. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, considers the key trends and new opportunities emerging this year.