2024-04-20 07:46:29
RIYADH: More than 1,200 investors from around the world will head to Riyadh in late April for what is expected to be the largest Future Hospitality Summit ever held in Saudi Arabia.
The event, which will be held at the Al Faisaliah Hotel from April 29 to May 1, will focus on sustainable tourism and technology-driven hospitality, under the theme “Investing in the Future: Today, Together”.
Industry leaders will discuss sustainable development, investment prospects, entrepreneurship and human capital, as well as the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
This three-day conference, which will bring together more than 150 speakers, is the seventh event organized for the Saudi market by The Bench, a British company specializing in the organization of professional events.
Jonathan Worsley, chairman of the company, said: “FHS Saudi Arabia’s objectives are strategically aligned with Vision 2030 and our carefully selected program will focus on the development and sustainable growth of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia, technology adoption, innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector, as well as investment and job creation opportunities.”
It will focus on strategies to promote the growth of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, positioning it as a key driver of the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.
In addition, it will facilitate cooperation in the tourism industry by highlighting the potential and opportunities for partnership.
Day 1
Gastronomy is one of the topics to be discussed. (Shutterstock)
The first morning of the conference will be exclusively dedicated to the Global Restaurant Investment Forum, which will explore Riyadh’s growing gastronomic culture through main stage presentations, case studies and expert discussions.
Founded in 2015, GRIF was a three-day conference held in Dubai and Amsterdam. This year it will be integrated into FHS Saudi Arabia. It is mainly dedicated to investors who want to meet restaurant concept owners, operators and franchisors looking for growth, equity or partners.
The GRIF Culinary Tours of game-changing restaurant concepts in Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape will take place again, as will the Startup Den – where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investor judges.
The latest confirmed speakers include Martin Raymond, co-founder of Future Laboratory and editor-in-chief of LS:N Global. Christopher Sanderson, also co-founder of Future Laboratory, joins him.
In addition, Mohammed Jawa, founder and chairman of MJS Holding, Faisal Shaker, co-founder and CEO of Modern Food Company, and Nawal AlKhalawi, founder and CEO of Asfar Experience, will address the attendees.
The program starts on the afternoon of April 29 with the FHS Intelligence Talks, hosted by Fritz Dickamp, CEO of Studio 49.
Topics include “The Future of Wellness – New Data on Wellness Travel,” hosted by Aradhana Khowala, CEO and Founder of Aptamind Partners, in conversation with Susie Ellis, President and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit, and “The Hotel of the Future,” presented by Turab Saleem, partner and head of hospitality, tourism and leisure consulting at Knight Frank Middle East and North Africa.
“We offer delegates the opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamic essence of the Saudi market. Our enriched program includes a series of engaging presentations, short but powerful ’10X Talks’, multi-faceted panel discussions, informal discussions, case studies and engaging website visits,” said Worsley.
He added: “In addition, the event is packed with a variety of networking opportunities over three days, all carefully designed to foster an environment of learning, dialogue, exploration and meaningful connections.”
Day 2
On the second day, the conference will begin with welcome remarks from Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid, Secretary General of the King Faisal Foundation and Chairman of Al Khozama.
The plenary sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including “Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Sector under Vision 2030”, presented by Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister of Tourism Development Destinations in the Ministry of Tourism.
A panel discussion on the topic “A Blueprint for Successful Market Entry and Investment” will be moderated by Edie Rodriquez, Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, with panelists Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of Tourism Development Fund, Fahad bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, and Guy Hutchinson, president of Hilton MEA.
Haitham Mattar, Special Adviser to the United Nations Tourism Office and Managing Director for MEA and Southwest Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, will also be present.
In addition, there will be a case study on “Collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate lifestyle development and promote new destinations”, hosted by Mohammed Islam, host and founder of the Mo Show Podcast Saudi Arabia, as well as a panel on “Maximizing Financial Resilience through Multi -Asset Allocation” led by Matthew Martin, Bloomberg Saudi Bureau Chief.
In addition, investments and the development of sustainable hospitality will be central to the FHS agenda, with an emphasis on technology.
Industry leaders to engage in discussions on the future of artificial intelligence and the hospitality metaverse, explore the convergence of AI, computing and human interaction to enhance guest experiences, and will offer valuable insight into technology stack investment strategies for owners and operators.
This year, the FHS Saudi Arabia show is enriched with a new feature: the “Destination Tomorrow: Unveiling Investment Opportunities” platform, designed to highlight innovative and new places and attractions in the hospitality and tourism sectors of the Kingdom.
The main goal is to facilitate connections between project developers, entrepreneurs, visionaries, investors and other important stakeholders.
Another first FHS event this year is the “Speakers Corner”, which provides a unique chance for attendees to share their personal stories of challenges overcome and successes achieved in the industry.
Start it up
Erika Blazeviciute Doyle, founder of Drink Dry, the GCC’s first and only premium soft drink market, has become the winner of Startup Den 2023. FHS
The highly anticipated Startup Den returns this year, following its success at FHS Saudi Arabia 2023.
This year’s jury includes Prince Saud Al-Saud, CEO of TDF Grow, Salma Arafa, innovation expert at UN Tourism, and Maya Ayoub, founder and CEO of District Twelve and also national director of Saudi Arabia Women in Tech.
The Bench is passionate about supporting start-ups and giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of experts and investors,” Worsely said, adding: “This year, 10 finalists will be invited to participate in the event: “This this year, 10 finalists will take to the stage to present their business concept in what promises to be an exciting new competition.
FHS Saudi Arabia places greater emphasis on women’s representation than ever before, demonstrating The Bench’s commitment to empowering women in the hospitality industry and recognizing their role in the sector.
“Women’s contribution to the workforce has been responsible for the historic growth and development we are witnessing today in the region. Our unique campaign aims to inspire Saudi women leaders, to promote gender diversity in hospitality and to highlight the important role women play in this growing sector. “, said Tanja Millner, production director at The Bench.
She added: “We are delighted to introduce FHS Women Power, an initiative to make it easier for Saudi women working in the hospitality and catering sector to access free tickets to FHS Saudi Arabia.
Last year, FHS Saudi Arabia hosted more than 1,100 delegates, 150 speakers from over 35 countries and 71 sponsors and partners.
This text is the translation of an article published on Arabnews.com
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