OPINION
I predict a tourism evolution and a revolution in the GCC countries. Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé
HN October – November 2021
Publication manager Randa Dammous-Pharaon Publications deputy manager Rita Ghantous Sub-editor Miriam Dunn Account managers Maha Hasbani, Josette Hikri advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Subscription executives Houayda Haddad-Roumman, Mirna Maroun subscribe@hospitalitynewsmag.com Circulation coordinator Rita Nohra-Kejijian Graphic designer Ibrahim Kastoun To advertise advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Published by Hospitality Services LEBANON Borghol Building, Dekwaneh Tel: +961 1 480081 UAE HSME Tel: +971 585098057 info@hospitalityservices.me www.hospitalitynewsmag.com All the information disclosed in the magazine was provided by the parties concerned by each publication and checked to the highest possible extent by the editors. However, the magazine cannot ensure accuracy at all times of all information published and therefore could in no case be held responsible should any information reveal to be false or insufficient. We welcome views on any subject relevant to the hospitality industry, but request that letters be short and to the point. The editor reserves the right to select and edit letters. Hospitality News ME is distributed to trade professionals in the catering and lodging industry in the Middle East.
Nouhad Dammous (June 11, 2021) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa
A BRIGHT NEW ERA FOR REGIONAL TOURISM The Middle East’s hospitality sector is currently witnessing a remarkable upsurge, with significant growth and extensive development underway in travel, tourism and hotel construction. This expansion has been propelled by several factors, including ambitious infrastructure projects, strategic investments and a sharpened focus among key players on developing the sector. As our Special Report illustrates, Saudi Arabia’s bid to become a premier tourist destination is yielding remarkable results, buoyed by a hotel construction boom largely attributed to mega projects that include the Red Sea Development and Neom. The Kingdom has now surpassed the UAE as the primary hub for hotels under construction, registering almost double the number of hotel rooms in development compared to the Emirates. Nonetheless, the UAE remains a formidable contender in the sector, marked by hospitality and tourism segments that continue to flourish. The country’s investments in iconic projects, world-class attractions and status as an established host of large-scale events have secured it a spot among the top destinations for global travelers. Manama is another destination that has raised its profile by hosting several highprofile events, helping to deliver results within the tourism industry for Bahrain, while Cairo’s hospitality sector has also witnessed substantial improvements. Despite its many ordeals, Lebanon remains a fixture on the regional tourism map, supported by Ministry of Tourism campaigns actively promoting the country, with around 2 million visitors expected to have traveled there by the end of the summer. Jordan, meanwhile, is registering phenomenal levels of visitor numbers, thanks in part to a series of governmental initiatives aimed at promoting the country and raising foreign investment, as well as successful efforts to improve ease of access and customer experience. The success that Middle Eastern destinations are reaping from tourism and hospitality is testament to their unwavering commitment to developing their offerings. Visionary leadership, stable oil prices and far-reaching growth plans for the industries are collectively paving the way for the region to seal its reputation as an attractive destination for global travelers seeking a broad range of unrivaled, memorable experiences, while pointing to a bright long-term future. The editorial team
AUG-OCT 2023 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue AUG - OCT 2023
NEWS 08 10 12 14 16
In-depth news and interviews from around the region Industry Hotels Food & Beverage Chefs Suppliers
20 22 23 24 25
HORECA LEBANON brings a buzz back to Beirut HORECA Jordan on the horizon SAUDI HORECA gears up for 12th edition Salon du Chocolat et de la Patisserie returns to KSA Whisky Live Beirut’s sixth edition coming soon
13
Jad Aboujaoude
24
Salon Du Chocolat KSA
56
Lodging
HORECA NETWORK
EVENTS WHERE TO BE SEEN 26
FHS announces its first set of confirmed speakers
BUSINESS INTERVIEW 30
A view from the top with award-winning chef Aimen Samhoud
OPINION 32
Building on a bright future
Special report: New projects 35 47 48 50 52 54
Travel redefined Growing with the Middle East Bright outlook for GCC hotel industry A new chapter in the region’s growth story Firms foundations and strong fundamentals Why the GCC is well placed to capitalize on the wellness trend
BUSINESS LODGING 56
Why budget lifestyle hotels are breaking the mold
58
Medical tourism in the Middle East: the prognosis is good
60
Dubai: scaling new heights
62
Eye on Morocco
TOURISM
MARKET UPDATE EYE ON
4
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KHALID SAUD ABU HAIMED
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JS ANAND
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CEO & Chairman of the Board of Management Deutsche Hospitality
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BUSINESS F&B 66
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TRENDS 68
Making the metaverse work for you
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 70
Tailoring hotel guest room design to new demands
TECHNOLOGY 72
34
Special report
76
Human resources
Harnessing AI technology to drive up hotel revenue
SOLUTIONS MANAGEMENT 74
Data: Today’s essential tool of navigation
MARKETING 75
Navigating the world of online review platforms
76
How the hospitality industry can survive the talent crisis
77
The profitability VS sustainability balancing act
HUMAN RESOURCES
GREEN
PRODUCT ZONE EQUIPMENT 78
Welcome to the future of coffee-making
FOOD 80
Hot chocolate
BEVERAGE 86
When sweet meets sour
CHOCOMANIA 90
NXT dairy-free: dark chocolate lava cake
91
New products
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