SAUDI ARABIA. A powerful and diverse programme featuring over 100 hospitality sector leaders has been announced for The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia to be held on 24-25 May at the Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel.
FHS is a key event in the regional travel, tourism and hospitality calendar and will spotlight Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning hospitality sector across multiple areas of business.
The Moodie Davitt Report is a media partner with Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie reporting on location. As reported, we will publish The Saudi Travel Ecosystem Report in July, a title that will explore Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving aviation, travel and tourism sectors with a special emphasis on retail, mixed-leisure and other related commercial revenue developments.
Under the theme Reimagined Horizons, FHS co-organisers The Bench and MEED, along with Saudi-based organiser SEMARK, have designed the programme around key themes, including the future of hotel development, destination impact, aviation, sustainability, restaurant investment and human capital.
“We’re thrilled to bring three investment communities under one roof at FHS Saudi Arabia this year; Saudi Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC), Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) and AVIADEV, which are all represented in our action-packed programme in Riyadh later this month,” said The Bench Chairman Jonathan Worsley.
“Our focus will be on the future of our industry and delegates will have over 40 opportunities to deliberate, learn and network over two exciting days. With a range of different formats from main stage presentations, workshops and panel discussions to interviews, break-out sessions and networking opportunities, we look forward to facilitating ground-breaking conversations on what’s next for the hospitality industry,” he added.
Hosted by Dur Hospitality, FHS Saudi Arabia will kick off with a Moroccan-themed opening reception showcasing the group’s unique hospitality concepts. Ahead of the event, Dur CEO Mr. Sultan bin Badr Al Otaibi stated: “It’s a great pleasure to host such a grand event debuting the new era of hospitality and redefining the future of this vibrant industry while creating numerous opportunities to drive collaboration and joint leadership action from across the global hospitality sector.”
A series of sessions will be dedicated to the Kingdom’s F&B investment scene, including a focus on dining trends, new brands and concepts, levering restaurant technology and food sustainability and security.
“The last few years have brought radical transformation that, despite being tough, has inspired us to navigate our strategies toward a hospitality market that is more resilient to major shifts and open to change” – Dur Hospitality President of Hotels Operation Hassan Ahdab
Several of the FHS dialogues will focus on the economic outlook, destination development pipeline and the investment climate, including presentations from Pat Thaker at The Economist Intelligence Unit and Robin Rossmann from STR.
Hala Matar Choufany, President Middle East, Africa and South Asia for HVS, will be leading the conversation on the future of hospitality investment in Saudi Arabia.
She said: “Travel and hotel demand will continue to grow as new destinations emerge and unique schemes are developed. It is clear from the robust planning and Vision 2030 that KSA will emerge as a key player in the regional leisure segment, in addition to capitalising on the growing domestic demand and established religious travel. Success will largely depend on maintaining a healthy supply and demand equilibrium, a sustainable execution strategy, and as importantly, the equilibrium and partnership between the private and public sector.”
Leading hotel groups operating in the Kingdom will feature, including CEOs from Dur Hospitality, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hilton and Accor.
“The subject about the future of hospitality in a dynamic market is one that is close to my heart. Given the constant business changes and requirements we have seen in the past 24 months, now more than ever we need to remain dynamic and flexible in our hospitality offerings for partners and guests alike,” said Accor CEO India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey Mark Willis.
Hassan Ahdab, President of Hotels Operation at Dur Hospitality commented: “The last few years have brought radical transformation that, despite being tough, has inspired us to navigate our strategies toward a hospitality market that is more resilient to major shifts and open to change.”
“Saudi Vision 2030 sets the stage for an incredible future for sustainable tourism in the Kingdom. Across nine brands, Hilton is growing its portfolio to more than 75 hotels in the coming years – creating opportunities for our guests to experience Hilton’s Saudi hospitality in many new destinations. Whether it’s a locally flavoured welcome, remarkable culinary experiences, diversity of our teams or sustainable innovations in our hotel operations – we are excited about the Saudi opportunity and see a bright future ahead,” added Hilton President, Middle East, Africa and Turkey Jochem-Jan Sleiffer.
With staffing shortages a pressing issue for the industry globally, FHS will feature a session on how leaders are addressing the challenge of innovation and human capital.
Radisson Hotel Group Chief Executive Officer Federico J. González said: “We believe in the strong recovery and growth of our industry and our company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in the world. The future of hospitality is an ongoing journey that needs to be relevant to our owners, guests, shareholders and employees.
“In our ever-changing world, we are continuing to find ways to adapt, change, and bring forth innovation and sustainability in everything we do, as we establish ourselves as the company of choice for our partners, guests, and team members alike.”
FHS will also feature a series of breakouts covering a range of topics, including the future of hotel asset management; the future of loyalty schemes, transparency and brand loyalty; sustainability and the future of hospitality spaces.
For more information and to view the full programme of FHS Saudi Arabia, please visit https://www.futurehospitalitysummit.com/
The Saudi Travel Ecosystem Report, to be published in June/July in Arabic and English, will take a deep dive into one of the world’s most exciting, investment-heavy and resurgent travel-related markets. For details please contact Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com
