INTRODUCING THE NEW
VAN HOUTEN COMPOUND
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EDITORIAL
Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé Publication manager Randa Dammous-Pharaon Publication deputy manager Rita Ghantous Sub-editor Miriam Dunn Account managers Maha El-Khoury, Josette Hikri advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Subscription executives Houayda Haddad-Roumman, Mirna Maroun subscribe@hospitalitynewsmag.com Circulation coordinator Rita Nohra-Kejijian Graphic designer Ibrahim Kastoun To advertise advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Published by Hospitality Services LEBANON Dekwaneh Tel: +961 1 480081 UAE HSME Tel: +971 585848018 info@hospitalitynewsmag.com www.hospitalitynewsmag.com All the information disclosed in the magazine was provided by the parties concerned by each publication and checked to the highest possible extent by the editors. However, the magazine cannot ensure accuracy at all times of all information published and therefore could in no case be held responsible should any information reveal to be false or insufficient. We welcome views on any subject relevant to the hospitality industry, but request that letters be short and to the point. The editor reserves the right to select and edit letters. Hospitality News ME is distributed to trade professionals in the catering and lodging industry in the Middle East.
In the hospitality industry, we are immensely proud that we take pleasure in serving people. Without passion it would be very hard to reach the top and remain happy. Service not servitude - is the key to success. Nouhad Dammous (December 2020) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa
ALAN GEAAM ON CELEBRATING LEBANESE CUISINE AND WINNING MICHELIN STARS IN FRANCE The Michelin-starred chef Alan Geaam is known for transporting Lebanese culinary excellence to France with resounding success, earning him the most prestigious industry recognition. Here, he shares some of the secrets to winning not only culinary awards, but also French hearts and minds, through food from the Levant. I cannot overstate just how important Lebanese cuisine is in my culinary philosophy. With its rich tapestry of flavors, I view Lebanese cuisine as a treasure trove of balance and generosity, with every dish telling its own story of sharing and community. Flavorsome creativity I think about and plan my strategies carefully for introducing Lebanese dishes to the French palate, opting for a subtle approach. I’m especially keen on incorporating emblematic ingredients, such as hummus, labneh and spices from the Levant, into revisited French dishes. Tasting menus, which feature many of these ingredients, are proving extremely popular at my traditional Qasti restaurants, since they allow guests to fully explore the richness of authentic Lebanese mezze. The response from the French public has been overwhelmingly positive, which is fantastic to see, reaffirming the nation’s hallmark curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering new things. I believe diners truly appreciate the winning combination of freshness, flavors and conviviality that Lebanese cuisine offers. There is also recognition among diners that by integrating vibrant flavors like zaatar and sumac into French dishes, I’m creating a culinary dialog that honors both cultures. A culinary love story That’s not to say there haven’t been challenges in our efforts to promote Lebanese cuisine in France. One of the main obstacles is undoubtedly ensuring that we maintain authenticity while adapting dishes to meet French tastes. At times, it can be difficult to source specific ingredients, meaning that there is no option but to recreate traditional flavors using local products. On some occasions, I also find myself having to educate customers about the diversity of Lebanese cuisine, explaining that it extends way beyond the most popular dishes of hummus and falafel! But overall, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Among these is a shared love of produce and gastronomic authenticity which unites the two countries and their cuisines. I believe this helps to explain why Lebanese cuisine is so well received in France, even if the flavors and ingredients are different.
Michelin-starred chef Alan Geaam
NOV 2024-JAN 2025 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue
NOV 2024 - JAN 2025
10 12
HORECA NETWORK
HORECA Jordan 2024 hailed a resounding success Horeca Kuwait’s 13th edition is set to impress with new and exciting features
EVENTS
10
HORECA Jordan
14
Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai
24
Nightlife entrepreneurs
SEEN AND HEARD 14
16
Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai concludes its third edition Industry trends spotlighted at Private Label Middle East & ISM Middle East Gulfood Manufacturing marks 10-year anniversary
17
2025 trade shows around the world
16
WHERE TO BE SEEN
BUSINESS INTERVIEW 18
Zurab Pololikashvili on why the time is ripe to reshape the global tourism industry
20
Why innovation is the new buzzword in hotel asset management
OPINION
INFLUENCERS 24
5 nightlife entrepreneurs on the power of experiential entertainment
TOURISM 34
Sustainable luxury tourism: at what cost?
COUNTRY REPORT 38
Egypt: from tough times to ambitious tourism targets
TRENDS 40
Hoteliers reveal tech spend priorities: and it’s good news for guests
TECHNOLOGY 42
10 ways to boost direct bookings via mobile apps
EYE ON 44
Greece: an enduring culinary heritage
46
The top bistro interior design trends for 2025
48
A 12-step guide to taking your F&B brand global
ARCHITECTURE F&B
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | NOV 2024-JAN 2025
CONTRACT
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Special report: LUXURY TRAVEL
Profiling the MENA luxury traveler What today’s luxury traveler wants 8 trends driving luxury travel Pinpointing the regional luxury hotel market’s investment opportunities 4 experts on why, where and how to invest in regional luxury travel Hafawa: how MENA is winning over luxury travelers The 5 Cs of modern luxury travel
SOLUTIONS
50
Luxury travel
67
The power of data driven HR
84
Chocolate trends
MANAGEMENT 66
How to reinvent commercial spaces for added value
67
The power of data-driven HR
HUMAN RESOURCES GREEN 68
7 ways to synergize wellness and sustainability in luxury hospitality
69
How to unlock the power of LinkedIn
MARKETING
PRODUCT ZONE EQUIPMENT 70
7 experts on what’s trending in tableware
FOOD 74
11 experts unwrap the latest chocolate trends
80
5 experts on what’s causing ripples in the spirits industry
BEVERAGE
CHOCOMANIA 84
Classic chocolate brownies
ON THE MARKET 85
New products
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Coming issue FEB - APR 2025 • Special report Franchising • Influencers Restaurateurs • Equipment AI • Food Meat & poultry • Beverage Sparkling spirits & flavored sparkling water
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | NOV 2024-JAN 2025
FUTURE HOSPITALITY SUMMIT 2024
CELEBRATES LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS Milestone partnership agreements signed and industry awards presented to hospitality pioneers at three-day Dubai investment conference.
The 2024 edition of Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World) drew to a close on October 2 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, with investors, industry leaders and other participants describing the annual event as a resounding success. Organized by The Bench, the three-day conference once again provided an ideal setting for industry-related activity and a highly anticipated awards ceremony, recognizing the achievements of pioneering hospitality leaders. Milestone partnerships for major projects September 30 - the opening day – brought news that Accor and The Summary Executive Properties had agreed a major deal for Swissôtel’s first stand-alone Branded Residences project at Dubai Islands. Hyatt also announced its plans to build two hotels in Magna, Neom's luxury coastal destination. In a separate development, Mohammed Abdullah Al Muhanna Hotels Ltd inked an agreement with Marriott International to open Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah, with Aleph Hospitality appointed as operator. Cavendish Maxwell also released a report on hotel rating systems. The day additionally brought news that Skyline University College had signed agreements with HAMA MEA and UAE Restaurants Group. The activity continued on day two, bringing several key developments, including a commitment from RAK Properties and Minor Hotels to expand their partnership with Anantara Branded Residences in Mina Al Arab. Other highlights included news that ELAF Group had signed a partnership agreement with guestsupply. Accor, meanwhile, announced its plans to increase the brand’s UAE portfolio with Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, in partnership with Gulf Hotels Group. Insightful reports The second day also witnessed the release of two key real estate reports: one on the prospects for tourism in Saudi Arabia by consultants Cavendish Maxwell; and the second by consultancy Knight Frank titled ‘The Future of Hotels.’ On the final day, Windmill Real Estate Lease & Management Services announced a strategic collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to bring two new hotels to Abu Dhabi under the Ramada by Wyndham and Wyndham brands. There was also news of a major USD 70-million partnership signed between Kamah Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to develop four new hotels, under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. Additional industry insights were provided in a report released by Kearney, before the focus turned to recognizing the contribution made by hospitality innovators and leaders at the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
Recognition for hospitality leaders Marking its 10th year, the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge for 2024 was won by Francine Aclan, Emma Doherty and Roodabeh Elavia from Cornell University for their Pyro innovation. The winners of the three prestigious FHS Leadership Awards 2024, which honor hospitality leaders and recognize their achievements, were then announced. Errikos Christodoulou, hotel operations manager, MarBella Collection, Greece, won the FHS World Future Leader Award a new category for 2024 - while Rizwan Kassim, founder and managing partner, RIKAS Hospitality Group, received the Leadership Award, selected in partnership with Hospitality News Middle East. The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Selim El Zyr, vice chairman and co-founder, Rotana. The awards were presented by Jonathan Worsley, chairman and CEO of The Bench, and selected by award partners HN Middle East (Leadership Award), EHL Hospitality Business School (Future Leader Award) and industry peers (Lifetime Achievement Award). futurehospitality.com/ae
NOV 2024-JAN 2025 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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