Issue 148 | Feb-Apr 2024
hospitalitynewsmag.com
SPECIAL REPORT OUR ANNUAL A-Z OF REGIONAL
FRANCHISING FROM FIRST CONCEPT TO PORTFOLIO GROWTH P.46
MOUTHWATERING MEAT • PACKAGING INDUSTRY TRENDS • LOWDOWN ON LUXURY EVENT PLANNING
OPINION
Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé Publication manager 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.
The Lebanese have always been savvy restaurateurs, and this has helped solidify Lebanon’s reputation as a test market for successful, franchisable concepts. Nouhad Dammous (June 11, 2021) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa
RESILIENT LEBANON: TOURISM’S TRIUMPHANT PHOENIX Lebanon, resilient year after year, emerges as the ultimate tourism survivor, embodying a phoenix rising from the ashes after every crisis. Persistently persevering, Lebanon continually explores new initiatives across all levels of the tourism industry. Notably, Lebanon embraces expansion by opening new venues for restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Lebanon’s hotels have shown remarkable resilience despite facing numerous challenges. The nation, known for its optimism, navigates the tourism landscape adeptly. Every tourism association seizes opportunities, exploring initiatives and capitalizing on destinations to attract tourists. This reflects the faith of the Lebanese diaspora in their homeland. They continue to invest and show their solidarity. The way forward The tourism industry plays a crucial role in the country’s GDP, continuously contributing to the national economy’s growth. To secure the future, it’s essential to examine upcoming trends. A critical aspect is the strategic leveraging of Lebanon’s popularity in aesthetic tourism. Positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor contribute to tourism growth. Notably, trade shows like HORECA play a crucial role in supporting this expansion. Expanding such events throughout the country, including Beirut and Tripoli, is essential for sustained growth. Despite safety concerns and economic challenges in neighboring countries, the summer of 2023 in Lebanon was successful. This accomplishment is attributed to the Lebanese diaspora, along with the addition of new routes by MEA and other airlines.
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.
Looking ahead, there are plans for expanding airport facilities to attract more budget airlines, consequently increasing routes and solidifying Lebanon’s position as the leading tourism destination in the Levant. Moreover, Lebanon anticipates a surge in visitors, reaffirming its resilient spirit as the ultimate tourism survivor.
Hospitality News ME is distributed to trade professionals in the catering and lodging industry in the Middle East.
This editorial is from an article written for Hospitality News by Amine Moukarzel, president and partner of Louvre Hotels Group and Golden Tulip Hotels MENA.
Amine E. Moukarzel, President, Louvre Hotels Group, Golden Tulip MENA
FEB-APR 2024 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue FEB - APR 2024
HORECA NETWORK 8 9 10 12
The Best of Saudi HORECA Riyadh Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie celebrates a successful first edition in Riyadh HORECA Kuwait pushes the boundaries All eyes on HORECA Lebanon
8
Saudi HORECA Jeddah
14
The Hotel Show 2024
32
Re-evaluating the luxury travel checklist
EVENTS SEEN AND HEARD 14 14 14
Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia/calendar Arabian Travel Market 2024 The Hotel Show 2024
BUSINESS INTERVIEW 16
Mubarak AlShamsi on why Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a go-to MICE destination
18
7 ways to build and sustain a viable F&B business
20
How to organize an out of this world event
24
Why investing in hospitality today is a must for success tomorrow
26
Bahrain: back on track for success
30
In celebration of borderless cuisine
OPINION INFLUENCERS LODGING
MARKET UPDATE TRENDS ARCHITECTURE 32
Re-evaluating the luxury travel checklist
F&B 34
The secrets to creating next-gen dining experiences
38
Here's why we love bella Italia's delicious cuisine
44
How to raise your google rankings with AI
EYE ON TECHNOLOGY
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | FEB-APR 2024
Special report: Franchising 48 50 52 54 56 60 64
The key to building a successful, multi-brand franchise portfolio Beyond logos: the global influence of F&B franchisors The 9 traps franchisors need to avoid Destination MENA: 9 restaurant franchises with regional potential 10 homegrown franchises to watch Franchising: the shape of things to come More than 20 Lebanese concepts with global potential
46
Special report: Franchising
74
5 ways to start readying tomorrow’s leaders today
SOLUTIONS MANAGEMENT 72
How to harness the digital and delivery dining trends
73
Marketing in an AI-driven era
MARKETING HUMAN RESOURCES 74
5 ways to start readying tomorrow’s leaders today
GREEN 75
Targeting zero food waste in the hospitality industry
PRODUCT ZONE EQUIPMENT 76
Today’s packaging trends unwrapped
80
7 industry experts share their must-eat meat ideas for today's menus
84
Water: the refreshing alternative for 2024
86
New products
87
Chocolate pecan brownies
FOOD
BEVERAGE ON THE MARKET CHOCOMANIA
Coming issue MAY - JUL 2024 • Special report Coffee/Coffee shops • Influencers Restaurateurs • Equipment Heavy/Small Kitchen Equipment • Food Pasta • Beverage Wine or cocktails
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | FEB-APR 2024
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Meat ideas