FILL LIFE WITH JOY
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OPINION
Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé Publication director Randa Dammous-Pharaon Publications deputy manager Rita Ghantous Sub-editor Miriam Dunn Account managers Maha El-Khoury, 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@hospitalitynewsmag.com 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.
AI is undeniably set to remain a cornerstone of the hospitality industry, with automation and robotics on track to revolutionize many jobs. Nouhad Dammous (1933-2022) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa
THE ROAD AHEAD FOR REGIONAL HOSPITALITY In this commentary, written in 2021, Nouhad Dammous, explores the way in which AI and social media are converging to shape the industry’s future. KSA in the spotlight I anticipate a significant transformation in the tourism landscape of the GCC countries, characterized by both an evolutionary and revolutionary shift. Specifically, the hospitality sectors in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman are poised for substantial growth and development. However, none of these countries will quite rival the tourism potential of Saudi Arabia. This forecast is largely attributable to the forward-thinking leadership of Crown Prince Mohamad Bin Salman. As I look ahead to the year 2030, it is increasingly evident that this visionary leader’s initiatives will herald a historic turning point in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector. Going digital Artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniably set to remain a cornerstone of the hospitality industry, with automation and robotics on track to revolutionize many of the jobs currently performed by humans. This transformative technological shift is intricately connected to the concurrent rise of social media platforms. As AI continues to advance, certain tasks within hospitality may be seamlessly handled by automated systems. Simultaneously, social media’s growing influence will play a pivotal role in shaping customer experiences and expectations, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (now X) becoming essential channels through which hotels and restaurants will engage with their patrons. Consequently, the intertwining of AI and social media will both redefine the way hospitality services are delivered and significantly impact the industry’s employment landscape. Refurbishing Hotel owners must strategically prioritize refurbishment and innovation, given the evolving priorities of travelers. By doing so, hotel owners can not only enhance the safety and comfort of their guests, but also attract and retain today’s discerning clientele.
Hospitality News ME is distributed to trade professionals in the catering and lodging industry in the Middle East.
NOV 2023-JAN 2024 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue
NOV 2023 - JAN 2024
HORECA NETWORK 8 9
HORECA Kuwait: the place to be Saudi HORECA Jeddah returns for second edition
9
Saudi HORECA Jeddah
10
Gulfood Manufacturing
44
Eye on Armenia
EVENTS SEEN AND HEARD 10 10 10 11
Future Hospitality Summit leadership awards for two industry pioneers Host 2023 showcases the future of innovation at Fiera Milano Gulfood Manufacturing 2023 shines a spotlight on sustainability 2024 trade shows around the world
BUSINESS OPINION 12
Future-proofing the food industry
14
Dubai: the destination that keeps on giving with Hoor al Khaja
20
5 nightlife influencers on achieving after-dark success
INTERVIEW
INFLUENCERS LODGING 24
Midscale and economy: the new kids on the block
MARKET UPDATE 26
KSA: transformation on an unprecedented scale
TOURISM 28
Why cities are back on must-visit lists
TRENDS 30
Regional casinos: a safe bet or a long shot?
ARCHITECTURE 32
Creating captivating lobby spaces
F&B 34
Unleashing the F&B potential of emerging markets
44
Eye on Armenia
46
A new era of customer relationship management
EYE ON TECHNOLOGY
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | NOV 2023-JAN 2024
Special report: Start-ups 49 56 58 60 62
Honoring the high-flyers 5 ways to make your start-up stand out to investors From starting out to staying the course Risk vs. Reward: balancing the start-up scales Today’s go-to tech tools for start-ups
48
Special report: Start-ups
67
An appetite for change
SOLUTIONS MANAGEMENT 64
5 tips for creating a successful start-up
65
Voice-commerce: something to shout about
66
The definitive guide to recruiting in good times and bad
67
An appetite for change
MARKETING HUMAN RESOURCES
GREEN
PRODUCT ZONE EQUIPMENT 68
Lifting the lid on tiptop tableware, with 5 F&B experts
FESTIVE FARE 72 74 75 76
Meat and other treats Bring out the bread Just desserts Pass the cheese please!
ON THE MARKET 78
New products
CHOCOMANIA 80
Classic cheesecake with ruby chocolate
Coming issue FEB - APR 2024 • Special report Franchising • Influencers Suppliers • Equipment Packaging • Food Meat • Beverage Water
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Lifting the lid on tiptop tableware
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