49 minute read
Amine Moukarzel
HOSPITALITY POWERHOUSE
AMINE MOUKARZEL
“Success is a continuous journey and not a specific destination” is how Amine Moukarzel, president and partner of Louvre Hotels Group and Golden Tulip Hotels MENA, views the world. We spoke with the veteran hotelier to hear his thoughts on the industry's evolution and his group’s upcoming projects.
How would you describe your leadership style?
After working in a variety of cultures for many years, I believe that the most important thing is how you adapt to situations. You will always be presented with new scenarios, so knowing how to deal with them gracefully and patiently comes with experience. It is vital to learn from the past and face challenges with positivity. I would say that I have a family-oriented leadership style, with a deep sense of emotion where my team is concerned. What defines a successful hotelier?
There are so many qualities that define a successful hotelier. Some of the most important ones are: ∞ Passion for your job ∞ Taking ownership of what you do on a daily basis ∞ Persevering ∞ Serving others with grace and pride ∞ Paying attention to the finer details ∞ Being motivated and positive ∞ Knowing how to maintain good relations with owners
Do you think the younger generation of hospitality professionals has something new to offer?
Over the last 10 years, topics relating to sustainability and technology have gained traction. Today, the new generation is more adept at dealing with speed; they live fast-paced lives and are more tech savvy. What is important, though, is that the new generation understands the hospitality basics and values the human element.
What have been the greatest highlights of your professional career?
Whether it is the hotel owners, the team or our customers, serving people and seeing them smile is the greatest highlight. Providing our employees with more than just a hotel job is also rewarding, as we watch them climb the ladder and excel in the industry. Funnily enough, I just received a call from a former employee who thanked me for having contributed to his career and for helping him rise through the ranks and reach a general manager position. Moreover, it is satisfying to be shown gratitude by the hotel owners and receive a pat on the back for successfully running their properties. What are the global hospitality trends that are impacting the MENA region?
In my opinion, the future of the hospitality industry can be summarized as follows: I) Five pillars ∞ Evolving consumer behavior habits ∞ Health, safety and wellness ∞ Purchasing power/spending ∞ Digitization ∞ Sustainability II) Six key areas ∞ Remote working ∞ New ways of traveling ∞ Greener destinations ∞ Rural tourism ∞ Technology ∞ Private transportation How is Louvre Hotels faring in the Middle East?
Entrepreneurial spirit and agility are part of our DNA, and we need to rely on this more than ever to accompany owners during this period of recovery to continue building long-term partnerships. Indeed, exciting times are ahead in the MENA region, as we introduce new concepts, such as the mid-scale lifestyle offering of Campanile, which stands to serve our younger, more dynamic customer profile. Coupled with the redesigned modern upscale Golden Tulip brand, we are set to introduce our all-new extended-stay Tulip Residences brand. All in all, our focus is on expanding our footprint of new-age hotels to ensure we stay relevant for the guests of today and tomorrow.
Louvre Hotels has over 10,000 rooms in operation in the MENA region and Georgia, with more than 12,500 rooms in the pipeline. By 2024, we aim to be present in all capital cities within the MENA region. Which markets are you most interested in right now and why?
The leading marketplace remains the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This has been the case for many years now, and this trend is likely to continue thanks to the visionary leadership of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud and the formation of a new Ministry of Tourism. Countless megaprojects are being developed to drive tourism in the kingdom. Indeed, the extended-stay segment profile of our newly introduced Tulip Residences brand, as well as mid-scale budget hotels, notably our Campanile brand, provide opportunities in Tunisia, Algeria and other prospective markets where we are on our way to being a leading hotel chain. We work with the ministries to support the growth of their economies. I anticipate that Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait will witness greater momentum, while Egypt continues to be a key market for tourism development.
What are the group’s latest developments?
Louvre Hotels Group MENA is leading the way in terms of expansion. However, we were affected by the pandemic, with many of our hotel projects put on hold. Thankfully, we are now able to resume our activities.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains at the helm of our growth, where Louvre Hotels Group currently operates 17 properties in leading destinations across the country. We are on track to launch a number of additional properties this year. Our project pipeline consists of 12 distinct hotel, reflecting a growing emphasis on budget-friendly, tech-focused accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
Supported by Flamingo Hospitality Management, Louvre Hotels Group is expanding throughout the region. We are excited that Kyriad, Campanile will be debuting in Tunis, while we are set to welcome two Tulip Residences in KSA and one in Bahrain. Furthermore, two Kyriad and two Golden Tulip hotels are slated for Algeria.
RESORTING TO A NEW HOSPITALITY LANDSCAPE
Tourism has been picking up, even reaching preCovid levels in some areas. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema consulting services, considers the future of resorts.
With the Covid-19 pandemic largely behind us, the lifting of restrictions has made travel easier in most countries. Big cities, such as New York, Paris or Rome, have returned to their frenetic former selves, with people once again queuing for hours outside museums and fancy restaurants. But it’s another story for resorts, which have been hit the hardest by the sudden interruption of mass tourism.
Back in the mid-eighties, we witnessed a rise in large touristic resorts by the beach or in the mountains. This concept traveled from the U.S. to the Mediterranean, Egypt and Asia, as well as its secluded islands. Developers sold their dream all-inclusive holidays through travel agencies, with leaflets featuring idyllic hotels. They even partnered with airlines to promote popular hot spots. For many, package holidays opened the door to exotic destinations. Scarred but not broken
The pandemic halted everything; resorts had to close at once. While some countries provided financial support to help establishments stay afloat, properties elsewhere had to let go of their staff and even close down permanently. The spacious premises of most resorts — previously considered a strength — became a weak spot, as maintenance was required, even in the absence of visitors.
New travel habits
Now that the sector is in recovery mode, how are the resorts faring? Many people rushed to the mountains as soon as snow fell this winter, and most resorts were sold out until spring. Places on the coast also witnessed a bright spell, although some were left out due to excess supply. Indeed, the pandemic deeply scarred the sector; the side effects can still be felt today. Besides financial hurdles, the pandemic has shifted consumers’ preferences when it comes to traveling. After staying at home for so long, many holidaymakers are now choosing shorter trips, allowing them to support the local industry. Some travelers also have a more environmentally friendly attitude, while others, who are wary of crowds, are opting for smaller tailor-made holiday packages. With these new attitudes and trends, coupled with rampant inflation, resorts need to adapt if they wish to continue seeing crowds of visitors. However, the healing has to be adjusted. The high-end sector is shaped by global
groups, which have been anticipating new trends for a while. Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt have been developing luxury experiences for their clients far from packed charter flights. They have understood the need for a more responsible approach to hospitality and thus offer curated activities for adventure-seeking guests. Some hotels are gravitating toward locally sourced food (Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas in Mexico even grows its own ingredients), while others are promoting “responsible” architecture that respects nature and local artisanship (such as the Salt Palace in Potosi, Bolivia; or the Amanruya Hotel in Mandalya Bay, Turkey). In the Middle East, the current hospitality trend to move away from oil comes at the right time to ride the wave of hospitality change. Some avant-gardist establishments include Six Senses’ Zighy Bay in Oman and the eco-lodge Adrère Amellal in Egypt’s Sahara. More traditional properties include Sofitel’s Old Cataract in Aswan. But the main hot spot for resorts in Egypt is Sharm El-Sheikh, where lavish complexes rub shoulders with lower-end establishments. Specialized search engines feature dozens of independent resorts, with rooms starting at just USD 17. This lower-end segment has also attracted larger hotel groups, such as Radisson Individuals by Radisson. The popular destination has
witnessed countless ups and downs over the years, with a dramatic low in 2015 due to insecurity. it is now trying to make up for the loss of Russian and Ukrainian tourists by attracting visitors from the Middle East. Best practice on a large scale
In the region's other markets, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea project will be unveiling eco-friendly resorts spread across an archipelago of more than 90 islands. The towns of Amaala, Qiddiya and Diriyah (home of the Al-Ula heritage site) have been selected to host scores of new hospitality projects. The kingdom’s touristic grand scheme even covers a larger spectrum of resorts; besides beach and historical sites, a ski resort is planned for 2026 in the Sarawat Mountains.
Despite the current lull, which sees visitors resuming familiar holiday habits, resorts should brace themselves for further turbulence in the long term. Inflation is here to stay, and new ways of traveling are reshaping the industry toward regenerative tourism. They will need to target a more local audience and implement best practices on a large scale to survive the predicted slow death of mass tourism as we know it. hodema.net
THE RISE OF TRAVEL TECH STARTUPS
Top priorities for the travel industry include reassuring travelers, encouraging bookings and keeping them up to date with changing regulations. New travel startups are thus fueling the reinvention of traditional travel companies with an enhanced customer experience, as Dr. Jassim Haji, president of Global Artificial Intelligence Group, explains.
Enhanced customer experience begins with the convenience of a digital-first environment, from accepting online payments to providing customers with up-to-the-minute travel advice. Travel tech startups are thus in a perfect position to help travel companies ride the digital transformation wave, something that customers expect. Airlines, hotels, online travel agents and other stakeholders face similar challenges. These include the difficulty of keeping abreast of changing travel policies and restrictions. For example, travelers want to know about border closures, and they expect flexibility in their travel plans.
Around 53 percent of global consumers are either “quite” or “extremely” concerned about restrictions when it comes to local and domestic travel, while 49 percent echo this sentiment regarding international travel. Middle East startups
According to Global Media Insight, active internet usage in the UAE is more than 99 percent, with users spending an average of nearly eight hours online each day. Mobile devices account for around 61 percent of this usage. In Saudi Arabia, Global Media Insight says internet usage stands at 91 percent, with 71 percent of the country actively using YouTube. According to Google, mobile watch time of YouTube in the MENA region is one of the fastest growing in the world, rising by 90 percent y-o-y. This mix of a young, socially engaged population in the Middle East bodes well for travel brands and destinations as it fosters awareness of — and a desire to — explore other parts of the world.
In a region where the majority of search and booking activity still takes place offline, there are substantial opportunities for modernization in backend systems, payment platforms, mobile booking interfaces and personalized travel across every sector, from air travel and accommodation to transportation, tours and activities.
Saudi Arabia is planning NEOM, a USD 500 billion mega-development that will be powered by renewable energy, populated by robots and will feature high-tech urban innovations. To attract sizable crowds of tourists, it is calling for tourism startups to come up with experiences that fully showcase the futuristic city. A competition launched by NEOM and the UN’s World Tourism Organization wants to “source innovative ideas and disruptive business models,” to prepare the tourism sector for the project. The Tourism Experiences of the Future challenge asks startups to present proposals that either introduce or adapt “digital and technological elements” to address one of its four priorities: optimizing experiential tourism, harnessing the positive impact of new technology, alternative business models and innovative experiences. The challenge comes at a unique time for the global tourism industry. After months of lockdown, tourists are returning to their jet-setting habits. In the UAE, Wego the leading online travel marketplace in the MENA region, announced that it will acquire Cleartrip’s Middle East business in a deal that’s expected to close in the second half of 2022. This agreement is the latest in a series of entrepreneurial successes that reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for business, tech talent and companies of all sizes. With approximately nine million app downloads recorded in 2021, Wego
has grown into the largest online travel marketplace in MENA.
More than ever, investors in the region are now willing to embrace new digital solutions and technologies that could make hospitality experiences as seamless as possible for end users and travel operators.
Technologies related to revenue management, pricing and distribution have been in place for a very long time. But when it comes to technology like AI, that has not always been the case, although things are changing. Leading startups in the Middle East
The top 10 travel-tech startups to watch are:
HolidayMe
One of the top travel sites in the UAE, HolidayMe allows clients to make customized travel arrangements worldwide.
Yamsafer
Leveraging the most current technologies to deliver a comprehensive vacation booking experience to its clients in the Middle East, Yamsafer has access to more than 10 million hotel rooms, providing clients with a huge variety of options to help them plan their dream trips. The Travel Attaché
Specializing in luxury travel, this startup gives clients access to more than 200,000 of the world’s top hotels and private getaways. The team of Travel Attaché boasts a collective 50 years of travel industry experience, which enables it to offer individualized customer service and connect clients with only the most exclusive holiday packages. Mateegi
Available to both locals and those visiting from abroad, this startup showcases the off-the-beaten-path areas of the country and helps individuals connect with the local hotels and activities. By showcasing these unexplored locations, Mateegi is making it easier than ever for individuals to visit some of the most beautiful sites in Egypt. My Middle East
Looking to deliver highly personalized travel experiences to its clients, My Middle East allows individuals to build vacations that fit their interests. Tajawal
Tajawal allows customers to gain unique access to more than 15,000 vacation spots and 500,000 hotels across the globe through the startup’s app or its website. Irhal
This platform provides traditional booking capabilities for destinations in the Middle East and in exotic locations, such as Australia and Indonesia. However, the company also offers special features on its website and mobile app that help its Middle Eastern clients maintain an observant lifestyle while traveling. Ejaro
Ejaro is the first licensed peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing marketplace in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
Seera
Seera is a travel and tourism company that boasts a balanced portfolio of trusted brands that consistently exceeds customer expectations. Ri7laty
Connecting schools with suitable destinations for students, Ri7laty is a unique online platform.
KUWAIT:
THE SLOW ROAD TO RECOVERY
With all eyes on summer 2022, Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, gives us the lowdown on Kuwait’s tourism status and the measures being taken to encourage travelers to return to the Gulf state.
This year should be a positive one for Kuwait. The Gulf country, in line with the OPEC+, has been increasing its oil production and has stepped up support to its non-oil sectors to catch up with pre-pandemic growth levels. According to World Bank data published in March 2022, the Kuwaiti economy is expected to increase by 5.3 percent this year and 3 percent next year, which would put the country on track to achieve its pre-covid growth by 2023, provided that current global inflation does not get in the way. Oil represents around 50 percent of the country’s GDP, and its volatility in the last few years has hindered efforts to diversify the economy. The focus of Kuwait’s “Vision 2035” development program is to transform the country into a financial and trade hub, as well as develop its tourism sector, to reach sustainable economic growth. Its first major step toward this aim was the implementation of the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, with its third phase currently underway. Travel and tourism’s contribution to GDP, last published in 2019, was 6.1 percent. The number of arrivals for holiday and leisure dropped from 41,000 in 2019 to 27,000 in 2020, according to the UNWTO, and spending by foreign and local tourists drastically fell. The hotel occupancy rate consequently declined by 4 percent in Q3 2019 and continued on a downward spiral, falling by 44 percent in Q3 2020. The World Travel and Tourism Council revealed that the sector’s contribution to employment decreased by around 21.5 percent, with close to 28,600 people losing their jobs. Indeed, the sector’s losses globally amounted to USD 4.5 trillion.
Reopening the door to visitors
To step up the pace, the Kuwait Touristic Enterprises (a unit of the Gulf country's Kuwait Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund) announced an increase of its capital by 250 million dinars - or USD 831.39 million - reaching 300 million dinars by the end of 2021. The funds will be used for 95 initiatives and projects that aim to “bring back the golden age of tourism,” according to authorities. Another positive sign was the announcement in late April 2021 that visitors entering Kuwait would no longer have to take a PCR test or show proof of vaccination. Furthermore, face masks are no longer mandatory and a Covid-19 vaccine is not required to enter stadiums.
More good news has been announced for GCC citizens, who can, once again, enter Kuwait with their national smart IDs. The easing of coronavirus-related restrictions is a breath of fresh air for the hospitality industry, with hotel occupancy rates expected to pick up. Colliers International assesses that they are likely to reach 31 percent this year in Kuwait City alone. Indeed, new players are arriving, such as Waldorf Astoria, which is set to open its Kuwait branch in Avenues Mall in 2022.
Projects in the pipeline
Official support for the tourism sector had already begun before the pandemic with the billion-dollar development project “Kuwait National Cultural District.” Created around three hubs, it celebrates arts and culture, and is one of the largest investments of its kind in the world. The first hub is the Al Salam Palace and Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre. The latter is the largest opera house in the Middle East. The second hub is the 13-hectare Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre — the world’s largest exhibition center — while the third hub is Al Shaheed Park Museums, comprising the Habitat Museum and Remembrance Museum. The KNCD has been attracting thousands of visitors since 2018. Regional tourists are also familiar with the “Hala Febrayer” festival, held annually in February. Having been canceled due to the pandemic, the festival should witness a comeback in 2023.
Another attraction for locals and foreigners is the Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City, built around canals and an artificial shoreline. Opened in 2004, it features man-made marine habitats that host fish and shellfish.
Other projects are also underway. The Kuwait Touristic Enterprises is overviewing the development of the Gas Al-Ard club site which will offer sports facilities, a large swimming pool and restaurants. Messilah Beach, set to open in the capital in 2023, will feature a water park for children, restaurants, shops and cafes. The takeaway
However, some are still worried about the pace of the recovery. In March 2022, the head of the Kuwaiti Federation of Restaurants, Cafés and Catering Services, Fahd Al-Arbash, said that the sector is still ailing from the pandemic, with restaurants and cafe owners buckling under the weight of accumulated loans. Inflation, which increases the cost of goods — especially imported ones — is also of great concern. F&B owners are asking for financial support from the state.
It remains to be seen how quickly Kuwait can bounce back. hodema.net
GREAT BRITAIN’S
GREATEST COMEBACK
Great Britain’s hospitality industry took a severe hit during the pandemic, like those of countless holiday destinations. Stephen Collins, associate director of HVS, examines the losses and explains why the country could be edging its European counterparts in terms of recovery.
The worst of the pandemic may be behind us, but new challenges lie ahead. However, despite inflationary pressure, staffing difficulties and economic uncertainty driven by the Ukraine crisis, recovery appears to be continuing apace. Indeed, many markets have been nearing and occasionally exceeding 2019 occupancy levels, and around 75 percent of major UK markets recorded RevPAR higher than 2019 in the month of April thanks to strong average rate gains. UK values and transactions
According to HVS’s 2022 Hotel Valuation Index (HVI), hotel values in 2021 recovered strongly from 2020, with London and Edinburgh values per room increasing by 5.8 percent in EUR (albeit only 2.2 percent in GBP), and secondary cities Manchester and Birmingham performing even better, increasing by EUR 7.2 percent and 7.6 percent respectively (or 3.6 percent and 4.0 percent in GBP). This places all four UK markets in the HVI above the European average value growth rate of 5 percent. The UK hotel investment market was a similar success story in 2021, leading Europe with EUR 4.9 billion worth of hotel investments, a 146 percent increase from 2020. This represented 30 percent of the total European transaction volume and was more than 50 percent higher than the volume in Spain, the second largest investment market.
Of the UK’s transaction volume, London was the clear focal point, accounting for 53 percent of the total investment. Singleasset deals accounted for 57 percent of the volume, while portfolios made up the remaining 43 percent. Although data for 2022 is preliminary, the investment market appears to be continuing to thrive, with the rolling four quarters to Q1 2022 exceeding EUR 5.3 billion, the highest since Q4 2019. This strong performance was supported by a surprising lack of distress opportunities — partly thanks to supportive lenders and strong investor appetite. Investment firms with dry powder hunted for (scarce) opportunistic and (even scarcer) distressed deals as the second half of 2021 gave way to the start of recovery. Challenges ahead
As with the rest of the world, inflationary pressure has reached levels unseen by much of the population. Inflation hit a 40-year high of 9 percent in April 2022, driven by rising energy prices, supply chain disruption and the war in Ukraine, which contributed to a spike in fuel and food prices. These factors have been exacerbated by noticeable increases in the national living wage and growing labor shortages, requiring companies to improve pay even further to help retain staff and raise the prices of their products. Hotels will need to be agile and creative with their workforce, and keep the lessons learned during the pandemic front and center in their strategies.
The construction industry has similarly seen significant cost increases. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), construction output prices rose by 7.3 percent in the UK as of March 2022 over the previous 12 months. Developers with long-term purchase agreements for materials and projects with fixed-price contracts have been somewhat protected, while firms and projects that have neither, have been particularly exposed to this inflationary pressure. This has and will continue to result in many firms taking a step back to reconsider the ROIs of both new hotel developments and major renovation projects, particularly in light of evolving segmentation and the rising emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policies. On top of, and contributing to, inflationary pressure is rising wages, which, in the UK, are a product of labor shortages and a result of the government increasing the national living wage by 6.6 percent, from GBP 8.91 to GBP 9.50, and National Insurance by 1.25 percent in April 2022. Furthermore, the hospitality industry experienced a flight of labor throughout the pandemic (with Brexit compounding the issue in the UK), resulting in recruitment and retention becoming one of the greatest challenges facing hoteliers today. Hotel operators must look at alternative methods to tackle labor scarcity by implementing measures such as tailored training, improving work-life balance, diversifying career prospects and other strategies. its European counterparts throughout the pandemic. Hotel values in major UK cities increased faster than the European average, and the country was the leader by a significant margin in both singleasset and portfolio transaction volume. Recovery in demand appears strong and currently does not appear to have been significantly impacted by the war in Ukraine and resulting economic and geopolitical uncertainties. These factors have put the UK in a strong position to tackle the challenges ahead, of which there are plenty. While some of these hurdles are especially daunting due to particularly high inflation, as well as wage pressure and staff shortages being amplified by Brexit, the task of British hotel operators and owners is the same as those elsewhere on the continent: implement strong ESG policies to improve energy efficiency, rethink staff recruitment and retention strategies, and remember the harsh but valuable lessons in cost control learned over the course of the pandemic. hvs.com
Final thoughts
With one of the strongest overall occupancy rates and among the top five countries in terms of RevPAR in 2021 (in euros), the UK outperformed many of
LEBANON’S POSITION IN THE TOURISM RACE
Of the many pearls of wisdom known to mankind, one particular lesson is mastered by the Lebanese people: in the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity (Sun Tzu). Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, shares his thoughts on how Lebanon is maintaining a buoyant tourism sector.
The majority of those paying attention to negative media coverage on Lebanon over the past few years would have probably omitted the country from their list of possible holiday destinations. However, others who read between the lines defied what was being reported on news channels and visited the country. While media headlines bombarded the world with gloomy, at times horrifying, news about Lebanon, its citizens were at work behind the scenes. The series of crises — coronavirus outbreak, political instability, hyperinflation, banking system collapse and Beirut Port blast, to name a few — highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of the Lebanese people, forming a solid resistance in the face of its public authorities. Lebanon: the good, the bad, yet the best
It is easy to believe that a country that has faced one crisis after another for the past two years has nothing more to offer. Yet the fact is, Lebanon has always refused, and still refuses, to declare defeat. Although the country is going through massive changes on all levels — be it demographic, social, political or economic — it seems to be getting back on its feet where the hospitality industry is concerned. Naturally, most hospitality businesses had to rethink, downsize or completely shut down their businesses given the situation. Therein lies opportunity; was the public sector going to rescue them? No. If history is of any reference, the tourism sector has always been the backbone of the Lebanese economy, and it appears that it will remain so. Even in the midst of the financial crisis, the number of businesses that decided to defy the status quo by continuing to operate or entering the scene with a unique concept and a profitable yet more accessible pricing model, has been spectacular. We have witnessed new restaurants, bars, beaches and even gaming facilities pop up nearly every week, in addition to latest guesthouse concepts that have become the new mainstream getaway. Additionally, local products are slowly but surely taking over supermarket shelves, a substantial but welcome change, given Lebanon’s history as a major importer. As a result, Lebanon is seeing a significant increase in hospitality facilities and services after two years of depression. Not only that, all of these facilities are constantly at capacity to keep up with the joyful and ever-uplifting spirit of the Lebanese people, despite everything they are going through. Restaurants and bars
The burgeoning restaurant scene continues to welcome new concepts, with endless options that range from street food to fine dining. Lebanon’s restaurants and bars are known for their creative feel, reflecting the cosmopolitan culture that both locals and foreigners are particularly fond of.
For an unforgettable dining experience, you can visit Batroun, Byblos, Chouf, Faraya Kfardebian, Faqra and, of course, Beirut.
The Popular restaurants and bars in Lebanon include Bread Republic, Iris, Clap, Bolero, BO18, Frozen Cherry, Bar du Port, Mariolino, Bar Lost, Em Cherif, SUD Restobar, Mezyan, Mayrig, Babel, Al Falamanki, Bahsa by Al Mandaloun, Al Sultan Ibrahim, Leila, Mezcaleria and Merchak sur Mer.
Pools and beach clubs
The Lebanese coastline is bursting with amazing resorts and beach clubs, with even more places opening soon this summer. From Anfeh in the north to Tyre in the south, there are countless spots to tan, swim and enjoy the sea breeze. The top 20 touristic pools and beaches in Lebanon include Orchid Beach, Movenpick Beirut, Kempinski Summerland, Eden Bay, Nowhere Beach, Riviera Hotel & Resort, Lazy B, Pierre & Friends, Rocca Marina, Sporting Beach, Anfeh Beach, Eddeh Sands, O Glacée, Janna sur Mer, Joining Beach, El Heri Beach and Fidar Beach House.
Entertainment
Besides the usual live music venues and fun nightlife that Lebanon is famous for, recent trends have highlighted interesting spots for intellectual minds. A growing number of escape rooms and places promoting board games have entered the scene, with brilliant and stimulating brain teasers that are perfect for competitive spirits or for those seeking quality time with family and friends. Where best to spend your summer if not with the most hedonistic beings on Earth? Satisfy every whim
While there are plenty of traditional, historical and folkloric sites to satisfy
your Lebanese nostalgia, an array of new and unique places can also be found in Lebanon.
Guesthouses and boutique hotels
You might want to consider staying at a guesthouse or boutique hotel in Lebanon. Many provide exciting outdoor and indoor activities, such as hiking, yoga, mini golf and horseback riding, as well as a plethora of amenities. From cozy cottages to glamping, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are just a few options in different regions across Lebanon:
BEIRUT Achrafieh Biophilia Luxury Lofts The Grand Meshmosh Hotel La Maison Rayes (Sursock) Gemmayze Arthaus
Mar Mikhael Baffa House
MOUNT LEBANON Al Chouf Bkerzay Bouyouti La Maison des Sources Dar Linda Deir el Qamar Beit el Qamar Dar Linda
Baskinta Odom Retreat
Kfour Beit Trad
Keserwan-Byblos Chateau Saint-Andrée
Aley The Lost Village Faraya The Dome
Arbaniyeh The Silk Valley NORTH LEBANON Ehden Karaz Guest House Beit Mirna Guest House
Batroun Merchak Guest House Arcades de Bahsa L’Auberge de la Mer Beit Al Batroun Casa de Thoum
Tannourine Beit Douma Mountain View
Qadisha Valley Dar Qadisha Villa Chamoun
Abdelli Beit Bridi
SOUTH LEBANON Tyre Al-Yasmin Guest House Dar Alma Dar Camelia Les Jardins de Tyr L’Auberge de Tyre Jezzine La Maison de la Foret BlueJay Valley Nabatiyeh Dar Zefta
Saida Gladys Bekaa Al Haush Agritourism Auberge Braidy Beit Ammiq L’Annexe
Pilgrimage
Lebanon’s inclusive culture accommodates all types of tourism, including the religious kind. Pilgrims who visit the country are often surprised by the sheer number of religious sites, which are dotted throughout the country and represent Lebanon’s 18 sects.
Needless to say, that nature, history and culture will catch up with you wherever you decide to land in Lebanon. amber-consulting.com
BEYOND THE BEACH
With the Middle East boasting thousands of miles of coastline, Jeffrey Meawad, founder of JM Architects, identifies some of the main factors to consider in beachfront restaurant design.
When it comes to beachfront projects and coastal restaurants, it is vital to understand the client’s mindset. After all, not everyone goes to a restaurant by the beach just to eat; there’s so much more to the experience. Visitors want to enjoy a unique experience where they can indulge in delicious food while admiring the view, going for a swim or even doing a spot of shopping. Blending in
Biophilic design is one of the latest and most innovative trends in architecture. By utilizing natural materials and taking inspiration from colors and textures found in nature, operators can create spaces that promote a sense of calm and well-being. Light wood tones, fishermen’s ropes and nets, wicker, rattan, bamboo, a color palette of various neutral shades and crisp whites, and easycare textiles, such as linen, are popular in beach-front design. It’s important to “blend in” yet stand out. Design components
With open-air setups, a well-thought-out shading system is critical to ensure the comfort of guests. At JM Architects, we often use more than one system to create a series of dynamic shadows that are aesthetically pleasing and a talking point. Wind also affects the choice of design materials used for furniture and overhead covers, such as canopies and pergolas. The fabrics we select play with the wind itself, resulting in a gentle movement that mirrors the waves.
Choosing the right furniture is key. It is imperative to find the most durable materials to endure moments of leisure and comfort at all times be it day or night. Finally, greenery must not be overlooked. Trees and plants add life to the space, as well as a pop of natural color to contrast with monochromatic surroundings. Freshening up
A bathroom break should always be considered when designing a venue. Operators can add a special touch in this regard by integrating a pretty promenade or mini lobby that guests can experience before reaching the restrooms. Getting social
The social media explosion has boosted the popularity of “Instagrammable” spaces in restaurants, bars and hotels. By installing interesting, eye-catching areas, operators can encourage guests to take pictures and tag their venue, thereby providing them with online exposure. Instagram-worthy features could take the form of a spectacular seafood bar display, an interactive sun shading system or a massive fire pit. jmarchitects.net
TEAM TECH
With digital transformation an inevitability for businesses all over the world, we talk technology with six experts in the field and find out what tech solutions are available for hospitality and F&B enterprises.
FADI AMOUDI
CEO and founder, IQ iqholding.com
Career highlights
Launching the first robotic fulfilment solution in the MEA region played a big role in laying the foundation of what IQ is right now. IQ’s trio of solutions aims more than 99.9 percent, with 70 percent less labor. Furthermore, our automated storage systems can guarantee stock integrity and safety, increasing space utilization by more than 50 percent.
to offer the e-commerce industry the latest technology powered by robotics and AI. Through this, we are creating a level playing field, allowing smaller e-commerce founders to utilize the technology and operational capabilities with the e-commerce giants such as Amazon and Noon.
Providing solutions
The ability of IQ to provide solutions is what sets us apart. Our technology can aid and improve any industrial facility that caters to material movement, employee efficiency and process execution. Our transformation solution can speed up material movement and decrease bottlenecks, while the robotic technology we implement can triple the picking efficiency and decrease sorting errors by Newest products and innovations
We have launched IQ Hybrid, a licensing solution, for IQ Fulfillment to go global, utilizing IQ’s technology and modular processes, and it can be implemented instantly. This plug-and-play model delivers a rapid rollout of an end-to-end micro-fulfilment solution.
IQ Hybrid will also offer training and development for businesses to optimize operations, enabling both e-commerce sellers and fulfilment centers to scale. IQ Hybrid will promote an ecosystem where our partners can benefit from a connected network.
SAURABH ARORA
Head global channel and ecosystems, Foodics foodics.com I am extremely fortunate to have had the privilege of working with both Fortune 500 companies and startups across India, the Middle East and Africa. Having begun my career with a semiconductor major, AMD, my passion for technology and tech-led business was cemented from the get go. The second milestone was the year I did my master’s at INSEAD. Since then, I have been involved with various startups in the areas of hospitality and consumer-facing business. Why tech?
In my view, technology plays three key roles: an enabler, a disrupter and an accelerator. Nowadays, businesses have been forced to tech-up to stay relevant, ultimately providing the best seamless experience to their customers. Now that we live in a data-driven era, where all decision-making is linked back to actionable insights derived from business/ consumer data, technology is playing an even greater role. Latest innovations
Foodics has recently concluded its Series C funding, led by global investors Prosus and Sequoa capital, making it the largest series C round ever by a B2B Saas company in the MENA region, valued at USD 170 million.
ABDUL KADER SAADI
Founder and MD eighty6.shop Background
My career in F&B spans 30 years across three continents, including Europe and the MENA region. This has not only allowed me to gain a wealth of experience but also gave me a keen insight to problem-solving from a global multifaceted perspective. Tech solutions
Eighty6 provides an application for buyers and a complete dashboard for suppliers. Suppliers benefit from access to a growing customer base, increased ease of order completion and the removal of data entry with communication and tracking. On the other hand, Eighty6 grants restaurants access to thousands of SKUs, ease of order features, digital tracking and communication, as well as POS integration. Eighty6 empowers employees on both sides — the restaurants and the suppliers. The technological advantages and implications also trickle through the entire process to include saving time (by up to 50 percent), reduced price fragmentation, transparency and improved data to better manage procurement and sales.
Como, having been their biggest reseller in the Middle East and the UK for over five years. Como is the first revenue management platform that helps bricksand-mortar businesses boost their instore and online revenue with AI-driven automated marketing. Ultimately, Eighty6 technology serves to bring efficiency to the procurement process by enabling us to digitize and track the entire process. As a byproduct, this also allows us to reduce paper wastage, which is another cost-saving achievement. Talking new tech
We were one of the first to tap into the B2B space from our tech platform, allowing us to provide solutions for customers who were previously reliant on WhatsApp, phone calls and other more traditional communication tools. Everyone is dependent on technology to some extent, so we have been able to combine the novelty of the format with an efficiency-building platform. In terms of innovations, we have also created wallets within the system to counter outdated petty cash payment methods and dashboards to aggregate the suppliers, allowing for a dynamic up-todate market list.
KEVIN BOUBLIL
CEO, Como como.com What has marked your career?
At the start of the pandemic, I seized the opportunity to acquire my main supplier, Modern-day challenges
Transforming digitally has become an absolute need for restaurants and retailers hoping to survive in this new world. In the last decade, the F&B and retail industries have witnessed drastic change in the type of competitors that have entered these markets. Thirdparty delivery, marketplaces, discount aggregators and ghost kitchens are all fighting for the biggest chunk of the pie. Only businesses that invest and use the right tools will be able to thrive and compete with these giants. What’s new?
With our main focus on revenue generation, our team has released new capabilities to allow our clients to retarget customers who have visited their stores or restaurants with an ad on Google or Facebook. The outcome of this personalized ad often generates direct online orders on our clients’ apps or websites, thus reducing third-party delivery fees.
NAJI HADDAD
General manager Deliverect Middle East deliverect.com
Career peaks
In 2011, I decided to expand my horizons and moved to Dubai to spearhead a new tech company that focuses on music management for restaurants and hotels. I spent the next eight years building that company, and it was clear to me that restaurants needed to embrace the digital transformation.
From online ordering, digital menus and online reputation management, I took a leap of faith and started a company that partnered with several food-tech solutions. Our role was to help restaurants by assessing their needs and providing the right solutions. When Covid-19 hit and lockdowns ensued, online ordering was the only way to get food. Therefore, restaurants needed a solution to help manage all of these operations seamlessly. I was having an ongoing conversation with Deliverect on collaborating. Our discussion about MENA operations led to me being appointed general manager of the Middle East.
A new normal
We’ve seen restaurants changing their approach, being inventive in terms of engaging with customers through multiple online channels and launching special offers and giveaways. The delivery sector has become crucial for the survival of the hospitality industry. These changes require restaurants to have a competitive edge and focus on what matters the most, namely the dine-in customer experience and food quality. This is where technology comes in, empowering restaurants to optimize their operations and business processes, while reducing waste. Additionally, restaurants will continue to primarily operate through solutions that are easy and straightforward to use as they usually don't have IT teams to manage their tech. With online orders automatically pushed to the POS, there’s no need to manually re-enter order receipts anymore, saving time and eliminating errors. Finally, technology that eliminates close contact, like digital menus, tableside ordering, payment apps, and selfservice kiosks, is likely to become more prominent. Expect to see greater levels of automation in every part of the restaurant; AI and robotic machines will
patterns and preferences by integrating with the point of sale, telephones, property management systems and popular booking channels, such as the company’s website, Trip Advisor, Google and other sites. Indeed, serVme powers over 2,500 F&B operators, restaurant brands and hotels across Middle East, Europe, SEA, India and Africa. work alongside humans to cut costs for operators and improve work-life balance for restaurant employees. Novelties
We’re redefining omni-channel restaurant management around the world with our innovative all-in-one solution: everything from online order flows to business development.
This region, in particular, has ample potential and hunger for online and offline food orders. Therefore, we are invested in empowering restaurants in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other markets to act upon consumer demand and better serve their customers. Through our Delivery Manager app, customers can run their sales directly from the Deliverect app and consolidate all sales channels there. This gives a clear overview of all orders while providing access to our other unique features and tools. Customers also have the choice of using the Deliverect app with their own POS.
Our solutions portfolio helps restaurants take control of their delivery experience. For example, Deliverect Dispatch allows restaurants to offer delivery on their direct channels easily. We empower restaurants to sell directly through their own online store. Similarly, Deliverect’s PickUp Manager informs drivers when to go to the counter to pick up their order. This avoids having a long queue of drivers at the restaurant, which could jeopardize the dine-in experience.
with a guest experience platform that is integrated with all the systems to capture guest data from all touch points and help staff operate in a smarter and more effective manner.
SARAH HAWILO
CEO and co-founder SerVme servmeco.com
Unique selling point
SerVme is a guest experience platform that offers reservation and waitlist management, guest CRM, reporting, guest payment and re-engagement. The platform captures guest spending, Trends in tech
In the post-Covid-19 world, we have seen a tremendous surge in digital adoption in the hospitality industry, specifically in terms of CRM and reservations. F&B operators, owners and hoteliers have placed great emphasis on streamlining operations and understanding guest preferences to deliver exceptional dine-in experiences, increasing guest visits and returns. We help F&B operators succeed in the new era by empowering them Latest tech
The average rate of last-minute cancelations and no-shows is intensifying, affecting restaurants’ bottom line. Indeed, the restaurant industry’s average rate of no-shows worldwide is around 20 percent. However, we have seen the average rate reach 38 percent in the Middle East, which is a tremendous loss for a restaurant that counts on table turnover. SerVme has released pre-payment features allowing restaurants to charge guests in advance and guarantee payment within 24-48 hours. Restaurants can select partial/full deposit or take an authorization on the guest’s card.
DRIVING A MORE
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR TRAVEL
With technology a crucial part of our everyday lives, Duncan Fraser Smith, founder of The Cutting Edge Agency, addresses its potential as a key contributor to a sustainable future for the tourism industry.
Prohibiting certain activities often seems like the only course of action when we discuss sustainability. However, banning things can often do harm in a different way, alienating many travelers. Therefore, we must focus on innovation and sustainable technology to create a sustainable future for all.
Transportation and carbon footprint
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases. Whether it’s flying, taking the bus or train, or using your car, you are emitting poisonous carbon dioxide. Thankfully, there has been a great deal of innovation in the transportation industry. For example, United Airlines announced plans to use biofuel, while the world’s first batterypowered plane recently flew from London to Zurich.
We are also seeing growth in demand for electric transportation, whether it’s Tesla’s electric cars or the introduction of electric buses and trains. Startups like Eccocar are trying to “reinvent” mobility, making it easier for tourists to get around in a sustainable manner. Zeleros is creating a sustainable train called the “Hyperloop,” which it claims is “five to 10 times more energy efficient than an airplane.” These startups are making it easier for tourists to use different modes of transportation that are sensitive to carbon emissions.
Another important aspect is how to encourage tourists to actually use public transportation when they are in a foreign country. Taxis and Uber-style companies are often convenient for many. However, a Finnish startup has just created Whim, an app that allows you to get to know a country’s entire transportation system on the platform. Tourists do not need to purchase different tickets or struggle to get around. Hotels
Another interesting innovation is the “Flying Nest” created by AccorHotels. This is a traveling hotel that goes with the tourist: small rooms that have been created to be completely sustainable, from the materials down to the actual structure. The Flying Nest is as comfortable as a regular hotel room, with the advantages of mobility and complete sustainability. Experiences
There are several interesting examples of how startups are creating sustainable experiences for tourists. These include setting up virtual tours and launching initiatives to encourage staycations nearby. A great example is Road.Travel, a company that lets clients customize short road trips to destinations close by. Looked after by locals to help encourage sustainable living, Greenways Poland provides tourist-friendly trails within the Slavic country. thecuttingedgeagency.com
WELLNESS IS THE WORD
The concept of clean beauty has gathered pace in the world of hospitality, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Soraya Jouzy, founder of Pearl Tree, a leading distributor of natural beauty, wellness and lifestyle brands in the Middle East and the British Indian Ocean, discusses the importance of well-being for modern-day travelers and how hotels can leverage this growing consumer base.
The wellness trend has, undoubtedly, witnessed remarkable growth over the last five years. However, today, more than ever, there is not just a want but also a need for it. A 10 percent increase in wellness trips was recorded from 2015 to 2017. In 2018, 89 percent of trips were regarded as wellness. However, while the wellness economy was predicted to grow by 7.5 percent from 2017 to 2022, there was a drastic drop during 2020 and 2021 due to international travel restrictions. Yet now, as the world finds its feet again, the importance of wellness has been underlined, meaning that those in the hospitality sector need to leverage it in all areas. More than a trend
For years, properties around the world have been slowly incorporating wellness practices by hosting activities, such as yoga. But small steps just don’t cut it anymore. If you don’t have the capacity in-house then you need to outsource, as there are plenty of wonderful wellness practitioners and experts out there who understand the industry inside out. The Global Wellness Institute estimates that international wellness travelers spend over 53 percent more than the average international tourist.
The cost of staying in a luxury hotel is high, and hiring the right people to conduct anything to do with wellness is also significant. However, the benefits of incorporating wellness outweigh the costs, as people are willing to spend above the average room rate and more likely to pay for healthier, organic and tailored wellness menus.
When it comes to room rates, there is no off-season with wellness, as retreats can be busy even in the colder winter months. This is especially true for properties with large domestic audiences. fragrances to ignite fond memories, curated menus, ambient lighting, pillow menus and an array of amenities. It’s argued that many of these factors should be part of any stay, but integrating them into a wellness escape certainly heightens the experience for guests. Key points to consider are specialized diet plans — as we’re living in a time when awareness about allergies and intolerances is much higher — and wearable tech that can help monitor sleep, activity and just how “well” guests feel throughout their stay. Of course, the usual spa treatments are necessary, but treatments that are centered on maintaining and improving overall health are on the rise, often through the implementation of holistic practices, traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy and technology, such as cryotherapy.
What customers want
People are incorporating wellness into their everyday lives. The pandemic has also thrown the work-life balance into question. The option of working from home has shifted the paradigm toward living a healthier, balanced life in all areas. This shift has many seeking freedom across the board, meaning that when booking a wellness trip, people want experiential travel that is wellness-centric, something exceptional above and beyond the green juice or meditation they can sort out themselves. Wellness facilities in hotels
Establishments are creating experiences that go beyond the usual massage or staycation. They are incorporating air purifiers, specific The importance of investing
The facts and figures speak for themselves. Owners must take wellness seriously; it is not to be treated as an amenity, rather the foundation of a successful establishment. There needs to be a 360-degree approach from the top down. The hospitality industry needs to be mindful of incorporating this essential element and provide services at different price points. pearltree.ae
VEGANISM IN DUBAI
The vegan movement has gained traction in recent years, with advocates praising its sensitivity to the environment and sustainable practices. Natalya Latypova, managing director of Glee Hospitality Solutions, explores veganism in Dubai and how restaurants can better cater to this growing audience.
A fundamental factor in enriching the vegan dining experience is satisfaction. Vegans do not want to opt for non-animal-based meals only to be served a meager bowl of lettuce that is sparse on flavor, seasoning and imagination. It is important for chefs and/or outlets to understand that despite different dietary restrictions, all diners — especially vegans — want to enjoy delicious food. Challenges in the UAE
Many people still do not understand what veganism is and what a plant-based diet consists of. Often, vegans are perceived to have similar dietary requirements to vegetarians and pescetarians. Thus, education is paramount, and it is essential for restaurant staff, particularly chefs, to fully appreciate the expectations of their vegan customers when it comes to food preparation and presentation.
Another important factor to consider is cost. Vegan options are often overpriced, with alternatives such as vegan milk and cheese costing more than standard animal-based options. In addition, vegan customers are often met with a limited variety of options, forcing them to resort to salads, pasta and pizza, which can be also be a challenge as some of these dishes require dairy substitutes.
The benefits of being vegan in the UAE
On a positive note, many new projects have emerged that promote veganism and ensure that a variety of good options are available. Furthermore, the prevalence of Arabic cuisine also guarantees a multitude of vegan-friendly mezze dishes and traditional vegan-based recipes, including hummus, moutabbal, falafel, foul, vine leaves, fattoush and lentils, to name a few.
Another positive is that many vegan dishes in Arabic cuisine are inexpensive and can be sourced throughout the Emirates, even from street vendors.
What vegans want
Vegans seek dishes that are 100 percent plant based, packed with flavor and well presented. This extends not only to the final dish, but also to the handling and preparation of foods. For example, tools and equipment should be used exclusively for vegan cuisine and not for the preparation of dairy and meat-based dishes. How the UAE can improve
A greater selection of vegan-focused options and concepts, such as vegan boba, faux meats and vegan delicatessens, is required in the UAE. Furthermore, many establishments catering to vegans can only be accessed by car as they are often in remote locations.
Events centered on veganism would also be a welcome addition to the UAE’s social
calendar, such as vegan potluck dinners to commemorate World Vegan Day. The vegan shopping experience would also be enhanced with the availability of more vegan grocery stores and markets. Shopping for vegan ingredients can often be cumbersome, with the majority of stores stocking only a small selection of specific vegan products. Dedicated grocery stores and markets would ensure a greater selection of products and a more enticing shopping experience for vegans. Vegan-friendly options in Dubai
There are a number of local spots that have either embraced or included a strong vegan influence in their menus. Here are just a few to look out for:
Just Vegan
The Just Vegan concept was created in the U.S. in 2017 by a few friends. Later the same year, the group launched its first veganonly outlet in Dubai Marina, in addition to a franchise location at ILA Restaurant and Café at Al Seef and Farooj Express, Barsha Mall. Soul Sante
Soul Sante is a vegan café created by a health and fitness expert. Delivering Californian fare and gourmet food with restaurant-level service, it caters to specific dietary requirements without compromising on taste or ambience.
Moby Sushi
Moby Sushi is a Japanese-inspired, plantbased café, creating innovative dishes for a deliciously better world. gluten-free menu options. By sourcing ingredients from local organic farms, it maintains the highest standards of quality.
The Concept Store Comptoir 102
Comptoir 102’s mission is to promote healthy living by bringing more sustainable and nutritious food to its guests, including sugar-free, dairy-free, raw, vegan and SEVA
Formerly known as Life’nOne, SEVA offers plant-based, gluten-free and cane-sugarfree dishes. The brand is passionate about what it does, and thus guests are served in an inspiring space that encourages them to connect with their conscious minds and enjoy flavors from all over the world. Wild & The Moon
Wild & The Moon is a self-described lifestyle movement created by a tribe of food lovers, chefs, nutritionists and naturopaths. The core concept is that food should be good for you and good for the planet, while being delicious, and thus the menu includes wild, local, seasonal, organic and ethically sourced ingredients whenever possible, which promote biodiversity. gleehospitality.com
