From starting out to staying the course

From starting out to staying the course

While any launch is resource heavy, hospitality start-ups also need to stay focused on the future, creating the firm foundations and growth strategies that will help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of a competitive market and capitalize on opportunities. Jad Shamseddin, COO of Aleph Hospitality, has words of advice spanning launch, post-launch and longer-term plans.

Read more
5 ways to make your start-up stand out to investors

5 ways to make your start-up stand out to investors

Securing investment for a concept can be particularly challenging in a competitive environment. Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder of Gates Hospitality, offers his advice on how to catch the eye of investors and clinch that all-important funding.

Read more
Why chefs shouldn’t give up on sustainability

Why chefs shouldn’t give up on sustainability

Peeter Pihel, co-founder and head chef at Fotografiska Tallinn, stresses the importance of integrating eco-friendly initiatives into the culinary experience.

Read more
Paris through Lebanese Eyes

Paris through Lebanese Eyes

The economic challenges in Lebanon have compelled numerous Lebanese restaurateurs to seek new prospects elsewhere. Thus, seeking respite from high inflation and political uncertainties. As a result, several Lebanese concepts have found a presence in the city of Paris.

Read more
Resilient Lebanon: tourism’s triumphant phoenix

Resilient Lebanon: tourism’s triumphant phoenix

Lebanon is a phoenix, according to Amine Moukarzel, president and partner of Louvre Hotels Group and Golden Tulip Hotels MENA. Here, the veteran hotelier shares his thoughts on the country’s rise.

Read more
A new era of customer relationship management

A new era of customer relationship management

AI-driven CRM tools and chatbots are taking customer engagement to the next level. With today’s guests demanding seamless and personalized experiences, hotels that invest in these industry disruptors will gain a competitive edge, as Lovetto Nazareth, managing director of Prism Digital, explains.

Read more
Hotel marketing strategies to create a perception of quality

Hotel marketing strategies to create a perception of quality

Strategist Riky Bains at Brash shares essential marketing strategies for hotels to build quality perception at every level.  

Read more
Unleashing the F&B potential of emerging markets

Unleashing the F&B potential of emerging markets

In a region marked by transition and transformation, food entrepreneurs have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a destination for a new project. However, while emerging markets are brimming with opportunities, they also present unique challenges. Christian Salloum, managing director of BrandPortunity F&B Consulting, offers a checklist for businesses eyeing openings in changing landscapes.

Read more
KSA: transformation on an unprecedented scale

KSA: transformation on an unprecedented scale

Saudi Arabia’s far-reaching vision to diversify its economy and boost the non-oil sector is delivering extraordinary results, ensuring that the Kingdom remains firmly in the headlines and on investors’ radars. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, charts the latest developments in KSA’s fascinating growth story, which range from giga-project pipelines and an ever-expanding private sector to record tourism revenues.

Read more
Risk vs. Reward: balancing the start-up scales

Risk vs. Reward: balancing the start-up scales

The challenges entrepreneurs face when launching a business are undoubtedly diverse and daunting. However, once the risks are understood and managed, they can be transformed into opportunities for growth and innovation, as Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International, explains.

Read more