OPINION
Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé Publication manager Randa Dammous-Pharaon Publications deputy manager Rita Ghantous
The demand for technology is increasing in the food and beverage sectors due to digital opportunities and consumers’ focus on health. Nouhad Dammous (June 11, 2021) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa
Senior editor Lisa Jerejian Sub-editor Miriam Dunn
A POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR 2023
Account managers Maha Hasbani, Josette Hikri advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com
Hospitality News Middle East’s editorial team forecasts the trends that will shape the hospitality industry in the new year.
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.
As the business world shifts its mindset to adopt hybrid models and work-fromanywhere policies, companies like PwC and Airbnb are offering the travel industry and hospitality operators the chance of a lifetime. Thanks to these progressive business models, thousands of professionals are being given an opportunity to combine work with international travel, thus ushering a boom in travel and hospitality. A report published by EIU forecasts that global tourism arrivals will increase by 30 percent in 2023, following growth of 60 percent in 2022. Health and wellness tourism continues to rise in popularity The popularity of health and wellness tourism will continue to increase, with reports showing that health-conscious guests are bigger spenders. Hotels are responding by following wellness trends, implementing subtle changes such as healthier minibar choices, pillow and mattress menus, meditation channels and sleep and wake-up rituals that are aligned to circadian rhythm cycles. Increase in job creation New hospitality roles will be created as the need for spa and wellness services emerges. Non-traditional, technology-based treatments like hyperbaric chambers and cryotherapy will find their place in hospitality, which will demand a skilled workforce. Tech-based hotels Hotels are adopting the latest technologies in order to offer personalized service that is not only tailored to guests’ needs but is also able to forecast them. AI will help operators to optimize the use of hospitality data, thereby assisting hotels in anticipating what customers are looking for. For example, if the hotel’s database shows that a guest is a user of its gym facilities, it will automatically offer them a complimentary yoga class. Creating memories and immersive experiences A greater number of hotels are shifting their focus toward making sure guests have memorable stays. They are achieving this by investing in personalized experiences that create memories, which lead to repeat visits. Hotels are now creating the context needed to make sure that their clients seek them out every time they travel. By offering experiences and taking part in the guest’s journey to a healthier and happier version of themselves, hotels are building loyalty. New York’s Equinox, for example, has branded itself as “the fittest hotel on Earth,” promising guests that a stay in the hotel is a step toward becoming healthier, more focused and a better performer. More hotels will become sustainable As millennials and Gen-Z travelers gravitate toward environmentally friendly hotels, several brands are moving away from a traditional luxury offering to a more accessible, sustainable and affordable one. The future of hospitality looks bright and exciting, and we can’t wait to deliver more of what’s trending in the industry in 2023. The editorial team
DEC 2022-JAN 2023 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue DEC 2022 - JAN 2023
BUSINESS INFLUENCERS 08
Forecasting the future
14 16 22 26 28
In-depth news and interviews from around the region Industry Hotels Food & Beverage Chefs Suppliers
NEWS
28
“On the rocks” with Anthony Massoud
BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY 30
Valrhona: Century of visionary creativity and commitment
EVENTS SEEN AND HEARD 32 33
Lluc Crusellas crowned World Chocolate Master Calendar
WHERE TO BE SEEN 34
Preparations underway for Gulfood’s 28th edition
HORECA NETWORK 36 38
Saudi HORECA Riyadh – the best edition to date HORECA to debut in Jeddah alongside Salon Du
36
Saudi HORECA Riyadh
56
Cloud kitchens
Chocolat
BUSINESS INTERVIEW 40
Reaching new heights with Ludwig Bouldoukian
42
Pulse check Saudi Arabia
44
What does post-pandemic travel look like?
46 48
The hotel industry’s F&B scene Lifting the lid on F&B trends
COUNTRY REPORT TOURISM F&B
EYE ON 50
From the kingdom to the world: rethinking Saudi cuisine
52
Wellness is the word
54
What travelers expect from hotel spas
56
Cloud kitchens: busting the myth
TRENDS ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
4
HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | DEC 2022-JAN 2023