EDITOR'S VIEW
Group editor Nouhad Dammous Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé
The sultanate’s tourism sector has great growth potential and is contributing positively to Oman’s economic diversification.
Publication manager Randa Dammous-Pharaon Publications deputy manager Rita Ghantous Graphic designer Ibrahim Kastoun Features consultant Rana Freifer Sub-editors Miriam Dunn Lisa Jerejian Account managers Michel Ajjoub, Maha Hasbani, Josette Hikri advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com
THE BIRTH OF TOURISM IN OMAN
Subscription executives Houayda Haddad-Roumman Mirna Maroun subscribe@hospitalitynewsmag.com
Nouhad Dammous, editor-in-chief of Hospitality News Middle East, forecasts a bright outlook for Oman's tourism industry as the sultanate's diversification efforts gather pace.
Circulation coordinator Rita Nohra-Kejijian News news@hospitalitynewsmag.com Published by Hospitality Services LEBANON Borghol Building, Dekwaneh Tel: +961 1 480081 UAE HSME Tel: +971 585098057 info@hospitalityservices.me 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.
Oman, a country of all seasons, is the oldest continuously independent state of the Arab world. With a gleaming safety record and a society known for being moderate and tolerant, the country launched its tourism strategy with the primary aim of increasing international arrivals to 12 million visitors by 2040. The sultanate’s tourism sector has great growth potential and is contributing positively to Oman’s economic diversification. Popular destinations like Salalah, Nizwa, Mutrak Souk and Jabal Akhdar showcase Oman’s splendid tourist assets: its historical landmarks, cultural heritage and natural beauty. Shaping the future of tourism is Oman’s Tourism College, which was established almost 20 years ago to develop local talent and support the Omanization drive. In addition, incentive packages and tax exemptions for foreign companies have spurred further investment in the hospitality sector. At Hospitality Services, we are excited to announce that the HORECA Network has expanded beyond Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia to the shores of Oman, with the first HORECA Oman debuting from May 31 to June 2, 2022. Gathering hospitality and foodservice professionals from around the region, this annual business meeting place promises to shine a bright light on the local hospitality and F&B scene. We look forward to seeing you there! Nouhad Dammous Editor-in-Chief Docteur Honoris Causa
FEB-MAR 2022 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue Feb - Mar 2022
EDITOR’S VIEW
03
The Birth of Tourism in Oman
08 10 16 18 20
In-depth news and interviews from around the region Industry Hotels Food & beverage Chefs Suppliers
NEWS
EVENTS
16
Jörg Zipprick the disruptor topping the list
WHERE TO BE SEEN 24 25
Gulfood returns to Dubai ATM changes 2022 dates Calendar What’s on the 2022 calendar at Hospitality Services
HORECA NETWORK 28
Spotlight on HORECA Jordan
BUSINESS INTERVIEW 30
Hospitality in the family with Michel Nader
TOURISM 32
Luxury redefined
MARKET UPDATE 34
28
Spotlight on HORECA Jordan
30
Hospitality in the family with Michel Nader
The region in numbers
TRENDS 36
Influential restaurateurs at the table
38
The Paris connection: Lebanese concepts in the French capital
40
Rules of expansion
42
Catering for 2022
46
Designing the perfect bar lounge
EYE ON
F&B INFLUENCERS ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY 48
I spy cyber security
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | FEB-MAR 2022
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