Having cemented its status as a global tourist destination, the region is well placed to attract new investment for the industry, following a swift post-pandemic rebound marked by impressive visitor numbers, huge project pipelines and the introduction of business-friendly initiatives, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.

Michael Donald, co-founder and customer experience specialist at Halo Business Consulting, shares his thoughts on how best to ensure these essential marketing tools give a fair representation of your business.

Today’s hotel rooms need to be imaginative, accessible, versatile and adaptable, meeting guests’ expectations, while also offering them the space to create a personalized experience. Joris Angevaare, partner at Studio HBA, part of the HBA Group, explains why putting guests at the epicenter of the hotel room design process will help to generate repeat stays.

The wellness tourism industry is going from strength to strength, buoyed by our increasing commitment to prioritizing self-care. Home to an abundance of natural resources with therapeutic properties and breathtaking landscapes, the GCC is ideally placed to establish itself as a global destination for tourists looking to focus on their mental and physical wellbeing, as Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International explains.

Jad Shamseddin, COO, Aleph Hospitality, explains why diversifying its offerings and incorporating new concepts will help the Middle East’s hotel industry to tap into rising demand and edge the competition.

Robust project pipelines, strong sentiment and long-term growth strategies look set to continue driving a sound recovery across the region, although financing and construction headwinds remain disruptive forces in the market. Amr El Nady, head of hotels and hospitality MEA and executive vice president, Global Hotel Desk – JLL, charts the hospitality investment landscape, while also highlighting new market opportunities.

Strategic master plans and reforms point to a growing appetite for hospitality investment and development across the GCC, bringing opportunities to benefit from attractive returns and contribute to the growth and diversification of regional economies. f, president, HVS Middle East, Africa and South Asia, maps out the openings and challenges, and crunches the numbers.

Whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs have reason to celebrate as the highly anticipated sixth edition of Whisky Live Beirut is set to return to the city from November 8-10, 2023. Showcasing exceptional whiskies from around the world, the event promises to be the most immersive and memorable yet.

Abdul Kader Saadi, founder and managing director of Eighty6 Shop, explains why building a data-led organization is crucial for success in an ever-evolving business environment.

With regional tourism in the midst of a robust rebound, the timing is ideal for businesses across the industry to put their own expansion plans into practice. It’s all about seizing the moment, according to Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder, Gates Hospitality.

With travelers seeking out better lodging experiences and affordable deals, cheap, chic offerings are proving to be the new industry disruptors, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains.

Syrups are today firmly established as an essential ingredient for bartenders and mixologists worldwide, enabling these creatives to add flavor, taste and imagination to classic beverages or give new concepts a contemporary twist. We asked seven experts to share their thoughts on all things syrup-related, from trending flavors and industry innovations to how they achieve that perfect balance in a glass. Here’s what they had to say.

Ten chocolatiers and pastry chefs tell us what’s creating a buzz on the scene of our favorite sweet treat, from exotic, imaginative combinations of flavors to non-dairy alternatives and single-origin, ethically sourced cocoa beans.

The regional travel industry is booming, buoyed by increased confidence, pent-up demand and MENA countries’ successful efforts to position themselves globally as attractive destinations. However, today’s travelers have different requirements, priorities and wish lists. Ten industry experts explain how their hotel brand is adapting to accommodate a new era of guests, while also sharing their far-reaching regional expansion plans.

Saudi HORECA Riyadh is set to celebrate its 12th edition at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from November 27–29. We reveal what makes it the Kingdom’s most valuable hospitality and foodservice exhibition, and why professionals should visit the show.

HORECA Jordan's ninth edition is set to take place from October 22-24, 2023. Here's what to expect from the popular hospitality and foodservice trade show.

Rabih Geha, founder of Rabih Geha Architects, offers his perspective on blending contemporary and longstanding elements to create timeless, awe-inspiring spaces, brimming with appeal and authenticity.

Multidisciplinary tourism professional Naiara Lopez Giner, Colliers’ associate manager of Tourism Advisory Lead Hospitality & Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa, dives into the region’s booming tourism sector and provides an overview of the ambitious visions and objectives driving sustainable initiatives for a responsible and eco-conscious future.

Five experts get their teeth into the tasty topic of meat industry trends, sharing their thoughts on everything from getting creative with lesser-known cuts to the importance of careful sourcing and good animal welfare.

From humble beginnings that involved traveling abroad to learn his trade on borrowed money and with no language skills, Nusret Gökçe (aka Salt Bae) is now a world-famous chef and owner of the hugely popular luxury steakhouse brand Nusr-Et and #Saltbae burger restaurants, found around the globe.
In this open and honest interview, the internet sensation tells HN what he thinks sets his luxury dining experience apart from others and how a determination to be the best at what he does is enough to stop complacency from setting in.

Spanning a variety of aromatic flavors and herbal infusions, created from leaves grown in the ancient gardens of China or Taiwanese mountains, tea is much more than a breakfast accompaniment or afternoon ritual. We asked four experts to share their thoughts on the perfect cup of tea, new trends and how the future’s shaping up for this ever-popular beverage.

Hospitality relies on the people performing the wide range of roles across the industry to keep the wheels turning, from kitchen staff and receptionists to IT experts and management. With competition among employers tough and staff turnover high, eight HR professionals share their thoughts with HN on how the sector can identify, hire and hold on to talents.

We asked a group of successful restaurateurs to share their insights, philosophies and upcoming projects with Hospitality News Middle East. Here’s what they had to say.