What do guests really want?
Today’s travelers have diverse wish lists when planning their trips, featuring ‘must includes’ that range from eco-conscious, locally focused stays and wellness experiences that go beyond spas to loyalty programs and apps to make quick, easy bookings. With a list of his own at the ready, Jad Shamseddin, COO of Aleph Hospitality, shares his thoughts on the criteria motivating guests in 2023 and what hotels need to do to attract them.
Sustainable tourism gains momentum in the Middle East
Multidisciplinary tourism professional Naiara Lopez Giner, Colliers’ associate manager of Tourism Advisory Lead Hospitality & Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa, dives into the region’s booming tourism sector and provides an overview of the ambitious visions and objectives driving sustainable initiatives for a responsible and eco-conscious future.
The gulf coffee takeover
From international brands to homegrown names, and now supported by apps and influencers, the regional coffee scene is booming. Cup in hand, Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, tells us about the latest trends currently captivating coffee lovers across the MENA and beyond.
Salman Gasim on trailblazing and nurturing hospitality talent in KSA
Salman Gasim is the CEO of the Saudi Tourism Training and Recruitment (STTAR) Institute and the CEO of Swiss Hospitality Company. He also serves as the vice president of the Saudi Regional European Business Council at the Federation of Saudi Chambers. Here, he discusses the Kingdom’s rapidly changing hospitality industry landscape and the key role earmarked for homegrown talent in driving change.
Igniting the six senses with CEO Neil B. Jacobs
Neil Jacobs’ passion for wellness, sustainability and making travel purposeful led him to Six Senses in 2012. Ever since, his focus has been to elevate the brand in terms of responsible design, green initiatives and wellness programming. Under his leadership, the company has opened resorts in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Jacob’s vision extends beyond a super high-end hotel and spa company. He believes in creating demand through constant innovation, initiatives and programming that are meaningful and tailored to each guest’s health and well-being. Here, the visionary hospitality leader shares his thoughts wellness, sustainability and purposeful, out-of-the-ordinary experiences.
The path to zero waste
While environmental issues continue to concern the business world, many companies are yet to adopt practices that support sustainability. Daniel Solomon, founder of HeroGo, provides some much-needed food for thought on how hospitality and F&B firms can become more eco-literate and reach zero waste.
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.
MJS Holding, leading the restaurant scene toward Vision 2030
MJS Holding, a leading hospitality group, continues to make strides in the restaurant scene by bringing its unique blend of innovation and tradition to the forefront. We take a closer look at the company renowned for its commitment to quality and excellence and the gurus behind it who have been instrumental in shaping the restaurant industry in Saudi Arabia.
Franchise trends in 2023
Hospitality experts agree that the industry has changed drastically post Covid-19, and the franchising space is no exception. Jad Shamseddin, COO of Aleph Hospitality, outlines the franchise trends and challenges that are likely to define 2023.
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.