Delegate Resource Centre
Hospitality industry insights and opinions
Hospitality industry insights and opinions
The company has 18 hotels in the pipeline in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Turkey, and Iraq
Industry incubators, award winners and hotel signings from operators such as Accor and Hilton were among the announcements at the 17th edition of AHIC in Dubai
Global Hospitality Management Firm Partners with Africa’s Fastest Growing Local Hotel Chain, CityBlue in Recent Joint Venture
Hotel management company launches new hospitality app that digitalises the guest journey from pre-arrival to check out, enhancing the guest experience & improving operational efficiency
Set to open in 2023, Sofitel AL HAMRA Beach Resort, RAS AL KHAIMAH, will be the Group’s flagship sOFITEL resort in the NORTHERN EMIRATES
Sustainability-focused concept to be implemented in a real hospitality project
The largest focused Hospitality System Integrator in Africa, opens an office in Dubai to strengthen their development drive in the Middle East.
First Novotel in Madinah will open its doors in 2025
Hotel investment communities from across the region reunite in Dubai at the highly anticipated live in person event for the industry
The London Project will take up residency in Dubai Marina and Canary Wharf, London in 2022 with additional international outposts in Barcelona and Miami set for 2023
THE GROUP SIGNS DEAL TO OPEN ITS FIRST LUXURY PROPERTY IN DJIBOUTI IN 2024
Leading Tourism Changemakers Launch Global Hospitality Start-up Incubator KUBE Ventures
AHIC Talks met with Youssef Chraibi, Managing Director of Magespro Africa, a project management and engineering firm focused into the African market to find out how the past 24 months have impacted their organisation and the markets they work in. We discussed what opportunities there are for the market, the geographies they are focused on for new business opportunities and how clients can minimise construction costs to maximise their returns.
JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group recently announced the results from its annual Global Hotel Investor Sentiment Survey and reported investment activity for the first half of 2021 at $30 billion, inclusive of entity-level deals, with a gust of optimism for the industry as investors show signs of increased activity.
Michael Levie and David Keen are co-founders of Kube Ventures, a new accelerator platform designed to transform the hospitality industry. Michael and David spoke with Jonathan Worsley about their mission for this platform on this episode AHIC Talks. The founders also spoke about what inspired them to develop the platform and the different verticals created to solved different problems through various mediums. The conversation is a perfect scene-setter for their session at AHIC. In their discussion with Marloes Knippenberg, they will delve further into fostering transformation and change in hospitality.
In this episode of HNtv Insiders, Emma Banks, VP F&B Strategy & Development EMEA at Hilton talks with Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder at Gates Hospitality, about the past 18 months in business and the revival of the F&B industry post-pandemic.
In this episode of HNtv Insiders, Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior VP Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications for Radisson Hotel Group, and Wolfgang M. Neumann, Chairman of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance discuss how the hospitality industry is responding to changing sustainability dynamics as a preview and scene setter for their session on this topic at the 17th edition of the Arabian & African Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai live in person from 20-22 September 2021.
In this episode, Matthew Weihs talks with Hon. Minister Najib Balala to see how tourism in Kenya is handling the pandemic and what can be done for future investment opportunities. The minister spoke about how infrastructure plays a big role during times of crisis as it enhances intra-Africa travel which offers plenty of opportunity for growth. Having recently confirmed his participation, Minister Balala will be joining over 100 speakers live in person on stage at AHIC in September.
Commenting ahead of his AHIC session, Vincent said: “As our industry emerges from the greatest challenge we have ever faced and customer confidence continues to rise, we are now in a position where guests are returning to travel with expectations for memorable experiences delivered by passionate hospitality professionals. Ensuring that we work with our owners to meet these expectations and retain the best talent is vital as the industry continues its recovery.”
The Steigenberger Jinan Fengming welcomes guests since 29 May 2021
The Steigenberger Alora Resort, Residences & Spa on the Gulf of Suez opens in 2024.
Deutsche Hospitality has been rewarded for its successful brand management by being named best company brand in the “Excellence Brands – Tourism” Category of the 2021 German Brand Award. The Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts brand was also the proud recipient of a “Special Mention” prize in the same category.
The Europäischer Hof in Baden-Baden, Steigenberger’s founding hotel, is now set to rejoin the Deutsche Hospitality Family as a Steigenberger Icon
Functional design and a unique brand experience are about to merge at the very highest level. Dr. Jan Becker (CEO Porsche Design Group) and Marcus Bernhardt (CEO Steigenberger Hotels AG/Deutsche Hospitality) met at the Steigenberger Icon Hotel Frankfurter Hof to sign an agreement that heralds the creation of a joint hotel brand.
Zleep Hotels is coming to Lausanne in 2023. Deutsche Hospitality has plans for a further Zleep Hotel in Switzerland. The Zleep Hotel Lausanne in the municipality of Chavannes-près-Renens is the second venture to be announced in addition to the Zleep Hotel Zurich Kloten.
As the return to the workplace ensues, what options are there for those keen to get back to face-to-face conversations with colleagues - but perhaps not so keen on returning to the traditional desk-based 9-5 of old? The team at JLL shares their insight on the topic.
Hospitality investors, owners and operators set to gather in Dubai from 20-22 September for the 17th edition of AHIC, returning to Madinat Jumeirah live in person
In this week's episode of AHIC Talks, Jonathan Worsley had a chat with Carlos Khneisser, who is Hilton's Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa region. They discussed how the hotel chain has been adapting to enormous changes by focusing on their people and the strength of their relationships with owners. Despite these challenges, they've made significant strides over the past year with the new deals done across the MEA region, with more opportunities brewing in the pipeline. Listen to the full episode to find out more about Hilton's plans and which countries have taken priority.
In this episode of AHIC talks, Jonathan Worsley spoke with Makram El Zyr, a second-generation hotelier whose father Selim El Zyr was one of the founding partners of Rotana. As the brand's Corporate VP of Development, Makram now leads the brand's ambitious expansion plans, focused on building their relationships with owners across every new project they move into.
In the latest episode of AHIC Talks, Fuad Sajdi shares his vision for Toggle Hospitality: to be your go-to digital marketplace for hotel FF&E procurement. This is a revolutionary idea that will save hotels manhours and time on sourcing supplies by providing them with one easy platform from which they can find everything their property needs in just seconds! Fuad also discussed with Jonathan Worsley the innovations planned in its roadmap to enhance the user experience.
Uncertainty and cautiousness plagued hotel investor interest in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the global lodging industry is eager to move forward. According to JLL Hotels & Hospitality’s annual Hotel Investment Outlook, the industry’s resilience has shaped new experiences and demand from consumers. It has also introduced a wave of trends that have been accelerated as hotel leaders quickly shifted operations and strategy to navigate through one of the most transformational and economically challenging times in modern history. Download your copy of the report today.
As travellers, we desire to get even further away from our everyday worlds, to experience pristine natural environments well off the beaten path. The architecture industry is exploring solutions to lead hotels toward sustainable luxury with little to no footprint. OBMI Chairman Timothy Peck writes about eco-friendly pods which offer regenerative experiences.
Sustainable tourism seemed like a good idea at the time, but why sustain systems that are inherently broken? Regeneration Rising, a recent report published by Wunderman Thompson, explores exciting opportunities and innovations for a regenerative revolution. Driven by a cultural shift in attitudes, the movement will impact many industries and inspire millions of travelers to pursue a new type of travel called “Regenerative Tourism”. OBMI Chairman Timothy Peck writes about how regenerative tourism sets expectations for radical change.
Joining fellow industry experts Richard Millard (Trust Hospitality), Emilio Perez (Marriott International), and Robbie Karver (Ernst & Young as a panellist at a Hotel & Resort Investment Conference we exchanged views on the trending and growing sector of hospitality, The Future of Lifestyle Hotels. It was a great conversation and here are some of the thoughts shared.
In this episode, Jennifer Pettinger-Haines handed the reins over to Muhammad Ali Syed, Founder & CEO of Mingora Consult. He was in conversation with Prince Alwaleed Bin Nassir who is President of Qoot, about their recent collaboration on a joint report focusing on Saudi CEOs and COVID-19 sentiments in the Saudi restaurant industry. COVID-19 has hit the Saudi restaurant business hard, significantly weakening the business's financial position. Yet their leaders seem committed to holding on, but they can only do so with a little bit of help from the Saudi government. These were the findings of the report, and Ali and Prince Waleed will be discussing them in detail over the course of this episode.
Accor's belief in the industry’s recovery has enabled it to make strides in its plans, despite the hard-hitting impact of the pandemic. It’s a sentiment shared by its CEO, Sébastien Bazin, and echoed by its leadership, as you can hear from Mark Willis in the video. Mark also shares with us what his key learnings have been for the past 14 months.
Fourth annual report predicts strong future growth, with Saudi Arabia tipped to become global player in the luxury hospitality market
The Saudi Arabian General Authority for Investment (SAGIA) forecasts that spending on food service will grow by 6% per annum over the next five years. The Saudi F&B industry accounted for 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018 according to the report, which also highlights the importance of the industry to the overall economy. Produced in June 2020, JLL's report examines the food and beverage trends that are set to lead the way in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Download your copy of the report today
In this week's episode of AHIC Talks, Mathew Weihs spoke to Andrew McLachlan, who joined Hilton last year as the brand's Managing Director of Development for the Sub-Saharan African region. Andrew shared a preview of the development strategy for the African continent with some of the brand's key brands such as Hilton Garden Inn, LXR, Waldorf Astoria and many more. He also talked about how the brand's history and legacy along with a focus on safety has helped it properties stay resilient during the pandemic.
Hear what Tea Ros learned during the pandemic and what she believes the future opportunities are for the hospitality industry.
F&B has always influenced hotel operations and revenue. Hear what Emma Banks learned with Hilton during the past year as she led the brand's F&B strategy and development team in the EMEA region.
In this week’s episode of AHIC Talks, Jonathan Worsley spoke with Jalil Mekouar, Founder & CEO of inHovate Solutions about the data challenges in hospitality and how his company uses data science, machine learning and A.I to help solve them. As properties across the globe look to optimise and stay lean, finding solutions like inHovate have become paramount, as it provides 360° degree optimization across all functions of service provision including revenue management, operations management and customer experience through its suite of web-based applications – providing complete visibility into hotel operations.
How will the world look post-COVID? Martin Berlin says there won't be a post-COVID world, only a "with-COVID" one where COVID stands for future pandemics. Hear/read his thoughts on a "with-COVID" world for this hospitality industry.
In this episode of AHIC Talks, Matthew Weihs spoke with Amos Wekesa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes Safaris about the challenges African owners have faced over the past 18 months. Great Lakes Safaris, a brand synonymous with luxury leisure travel in East African destinations, has been severely impacted by the lack of international tourism.
In this week’s episode, we replay Victor Lugger's GRIF 2019 session where he shares the origin story of Big Mamma and how he and his partner almost stayed in the crab business. He also shared the philosophy driving this restaurant group to achieve such financial success as well future plans for their company.
P.S The intro will make you feel a bit nostalgic about the fun and energy of in-person events.
John Pagano, CEO, The Red Sea Development Company and Amaala; Sébastien Bazin, CEO and chairman, Accor; and Jose Silva, chief executive officer, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts among the names on this year’s exciting programme
In this episode, Ian Ohan & Food Sheikh joined us to announce the Rise Up challenge, a competition searching for food entrepreneurs in the UAE, with the finals taking place live and in-person at AHIC in September. Their conversation with Jennifer Pettinger-Haines touched on why they put such a competition together and what kind of contestant would make the cut. Listen to the full episode to find out more.
Mert Askin, President of Food & Beverage at the Azadea Group shared with us what he and his team learnt during the pandemic, what needs to improve as we build back better, and what he is looking forward to at AHIC.
In this week's episode of AHIC Rewind, we replay a session moderated by Nick van Marken in conversation with Filip Boyen & Jerry Inzerillo on the topic of reputation and its ROI for owners.
James Asquith has set the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person to travel to all 196 countries in the world by the age of 25. In this episode of AHIC Talks, he speaks with Jonathan Worsley about how he came across the idea for Holiday Swap and what his future plans are.
Ron Simpson, Co-Founder of the Avocado Show shared with us what he and his team learnt during the pandemic, what needs to improve as we build back better, and what he is looking forward to at AHIC.
This week on AHIC Rewind, we replay one of our favourite sessions where industry legend Chef Raymond Blanc OBE spoke about some issues which have increasingly accelerated over 18 months around sustainability. The talk is packed with insights shared by the Chef, and for anyone involved in F&B or restaurants you should definitely check it out!
As we start to build back better and rise together, this conversation will provide some food for thought on what needs to happen in the short and long term to protect Africa's wildlife and the communities which rely on it for their livelihood.
This year’s report by Hotstats highlights the trends and stories that shaped 2020—from labor restructuring and breaking even to rethinking F&B and changing business channels. Beyond HotStats’ own analysis, the report features commentary from a cross-section of the hotel industry, including Hyatt Hotels Corp., Host Hotels & Resorts, Aimbridge Hospitality and HAMA Europe
In this episode of AHIC Talks, Matthew Weihs chats with Michael Grove, COO of Hotstats on the findings of the recently published Profit Matters Review in 2020. A few other key themes discussed were the return of events and some of the winners and losers in the Middle East and Africa region.
Advisory Board meeting of 40 leading hotel owners and operators signals impact of innovation, digitalisation and sustainability on pandemic recovery, while new data from STR reveals the progress made to date
Jonathan Worsley, caught up with Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of Time Hotels & Resorts at the Arabian Travel Market held live and in-person in Dubai. The two spoke about how Time Hotels & Resorts had fared during the pandemic and what Mohamed's development plans are for the future.
The first instalment of our weekly AHIC Rewind segment where we replay sessions recorded live at AHIC, SHIC, GRIF and AHIF. This week's feature replays the conversation H.E Mohamed Alabbar, Founder and Managing Director of Emaar had with Stephen Sackur, host of the BBC’s HARDtalk at AHIC 2018
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines speaks with Andrew Morrow, Director of Operations for the Firmament, on his impressions of Australia's restaurant scene and the differences he sees in comparison to Dubai. Andrew also shares exciting news about the Firmament's expansion plans for the overseas market.
African hotel development continued its growth trend in 2020, with 82,000 rooms in 447 hotels in the pipeline at the beginning of 2021. This is according to the 13th annual survey by W Hospitality Group, acknowledged as the industry’s most authoritative source on growth and development.
Every year, W Hospitality Group works together with hotel brands and investors to compile in a report the development activity of hotel chains in Africa. Acknowledged as the most authoritative source on the growth of the hotel industry in Africa, the 13th edition of the Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report is recommended for those interested in the region.
On the eve of publishing the 13th Annual African Chain Development Pipeline Survey, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director at bench, spoke with Trevor Ward, Managing Director at W Hospitality Group.
Category: Community
Concept: Too Good Too Miss
Category: Community
Concept: SEVCCO – Creators of Communities
Category: Future Real Estate
Concept Name: Waterproof
Category: Future Real Estate
Concept Name: Memargon
Category: Future Brand
Concept Name: ECOLUX – Growing Together in a Sustainable Future
Category: Future Brand
Concept Name: SLO – Immersive Sustainability Education
