Closer to home: domestic tourism has its day
Tourism is undoubtedly enjoying a post-pandemic boom. However, travel patterns are changing, with a rising number of vacationers choosing to spend time nearer to where they live. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, shares his thoughts on how the hospitality industry can tap into this growing trend.
Making waves: how beach clubs are redefining luxury leisure by Ahmed A. Sultan, GM and partner at Finasi
Once simple seasonal spots for sunseekers, beach clubs have evolved into immersive, experiential daycation destinations at the forefront of premium hospitality. Designed to operate all year round and take guests from day to night, the latest concepts serve as a masterclass in how to combine elegance with robust functionality, as Ahmed A. Sultan, general manager and partner at Finasi, explains.
Why wellness resorts offer healthy investment opportunities
Today’s travelers are prioritizing their health and wellbeing more than ever before, triggering the rapid development worldwide of dedicated resorts and driving mainstream hotels to expand their facilities. Hala Matar Choufany, president of HVS Middle East and Africa, drills down into the numbers and explains why health-related resorts offer significant potential for regional developers.
3 tea experts on the matcha movement
Ask any bartender, cafe owner, mixologist or barista and they’ll tell you that matcha constantly features on their lists of in-demand ingredients. Rooted in Japan and well on the way to becoming a global phenomenon, this powdered green tea is now also causing a stir across regional markets, featuring in everything from rose-cardamom iced drinks to matcha-infused dates. Here, three industry professionals explain why matcha is much more than just a passing fad.
Saudi Arabia: a transformative journey, step by step
The economic indicators tell the story. The kingdom’s ambitious economic transformation is continuing at a steady pace, with non-oil growth rising, driven forward by tourism and digital services. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, digs into the data to analyze the largest Gulf nation’s recent achievements and goals.
Experts discuss the new era of commercial kitchen equipment
From multi-function units that maximise space to fryers that clean themselves overnight, professional kitchen equipment is in a transformative phase. Operators want flexible, efficient solutions and producers are innovating to meet their demands. Two industry experts spotlight the industry trends that are redefining commercial kitchen operations in today’s tech-led landscape.
Scaling with success: 10 hoteliers on regional expansionand leading by example
MENA’s hospitality sector is flourishing, propelled forward by ambitious government visions, international investment and evolving traveler preferences. Against this backdrop of rapid change, we asked 10 prominent industry leaders to share their thoughts on all things hospitality related, from their brand’s ambitious growth strategies to inspiring new talent. Here’s what they said.
On the Market: New hospitality products from HORECA Lebanon 2025
A round-up of what’s new and causing a buzz on the region’s hospitality scene, including several products showcased and premiered at the 2025 edition of HORECA Lebanon.
The battle of the cafés with Nagi Morkos, founder and MP at Hodema Consulting Services
Well-established business models and numerous success stories have combined to make hospitality and food and beverage highly popular segments for prospective franchisees. However, in a competitive market, brimming with brands, making the right choice is critical. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, considers the key trends and new opportunities emerging this year.
3 experts on chocolate’s sweet success
Adapting and evolving to new trends and consumer demands, the chocolate industry continues to go from strength to strength. Three chocolatiers bite into the latest trends for us, from bean-to-bar production and online gifting to AI-driven customization.
