Beyond logos: the global influence of F&B franchisors
Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, lifts the lid on what sets the powerhouses apart from the crowd in the world of franchising, enabling them to write chapter after chapter in their ever-evolving success stories.
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.
Addressing the talent attraction dilemma in hospitality
Shangri-La’s MEIA VP of HR, Hein Dames, highlights challenges in hospitality recruitment and sheds light on the industry’s struggle to attract new talent.
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.
Wellness design trends are here to stay
As a NYC-based Urbahn Architects associate specializing in hospitality design, Ryan E. Bieber, RA and LEED AP, discusses the guest-room trends that will define 2024.
Regional casinos: a safe bet or a long shot?
While the legalization of gambling in the Middle East has long been a topic of fierce debate, news of industry developments in the UAE have now put this contentious issue firmly back in the spotlight. Against that backdrop, Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, assesses the odds of the region positioning itself as a global gaming hub and go-to destination for casino giants.
Why cities are back on must-visit lists
Having risen from the depths of the pandemic, urban centers are today riding high on a wave of success, with visitors returning to these traditionally popular destinations in ever-growing numbers. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services, takes us on a whistlestop tour during which he explains why cities are booming.
The imperative of sustainable products in the modern era
In the dynamic world of hospitality, where experiences are crafted and memories are made, a paradigm shift is underway. Naji Sleiman, the green architect and founder of Naji Sleiman Architects, is spearheading this transformation through his latest venture, NOA.
Midscale and economy: the new kids on the block
Firmly established as a hospitality investment hotspot, the GCC is now witnessing new industry trends, including growth beyond the luxury segment. These efforts to boost visitor numbers by broadening the tourism offering are already paying dividends in key regional destinations, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.
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.