Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning hospitality scene ranks first among Arab nations for inbound visitors in 2022
Saudi Arabia registered more international arrivals than any other Arab nation during the first nine months of 2022, as government officials aim to attract 100 million annual visitors by the end of this decade.
Inauguration of the official headquarters of the INVV
The National Institute of Vine and Wine inaugurated its official headquarters in Hazmieh, Beirut, in the presence of Eng. Louis Lahoud, director general of the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture; Dany Gedeon, director general of the Lebanese Ministry of Industry; Zafer Chaoui , chairman of the board of directors of the National Institute for Vine and Wine; Mounir Al-Bassat, president of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists; Salim Al-Zayni , president of the Syndicate of Food Industry Owners; George Nasrawi, dean of Lebanese Food Industries, as well as affluent members of the Lebanese community, board members and ambassadors.
OPINION: The evolution of Saudi Arabia by Dagmar Symes
Dagmar Symes, the GM of Hill Robinson Project Management shares her views on the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
Talking tourism in Lebanon with H.E. Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism
While Lebanon’s economic and political woes have been well publicized, its rich hospitality offering has managed to navigate even the most challenging waters. We spoke with Minister of Tourism for Lebanon, H.E. Walid Nassar, to hear what the ministry has accomplished in 2022 and what’s on the horizon for the small Mediterranean country.
A new initiative by the Culinary Arts Authority
Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are as rich and varied as the nation’s diverse landscapes, with each area offering a variety of ingredients and mouthwatering specialties. Indeed, these delectable hidden gems are simply waiting to be discovered. The latest initiative, the Saudi Feast Food Festival, wrapping up on December 29.
What does post-pandemic travel look like?
After several years of record lows and disruption, 2022 has marked the dawn of a new era for global tourism and hospitality. But even that does not come without its challenges, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.
How major sporting events are spurring growth in the GCC
Over the past decade, the GCC region has transformed from a business destination to an experiential one, evidenced by an increase in international arrivals, private investments and government visions, initiatives and developments. Hala Matar Choufany, president for HVS Middle East, Africa and South Asia, and managing partner of HVS Dubai, outlines the market developments and what’s on the horizon.
Forecasting 2023 with 11 hospitality experts
As 2022 draws to a close, 11 hospitality contributors unpack the past and share their predictions for the coming year. Here’s what they said…
Five sustainable trends to look out for in the Middle East’s travel sector
According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism-related activities account for approximately 8 percent of worldwide carbon emissions. Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME of Arabian Travel Market, highlights five sustainable trends that have already gained significant momentum in the Middle East and look set to play a critical role in the industry’s ongoing journey to decarbonize.
Pulse check Saudi Arabia
With Saudi Arabia’s development pipeline looking stronger than ever, Nada Alameddine, partner at Hodema consulting services, guides us through the list of upcoming megaprojects and what they will bring to the kingdom’s hospitality scene.