In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Jonathan Worsley converses with Eng. Sultan Alshehri, Chief of Investment at Aseer Development Authority, to explore the ambitious plans for developing the Aseer region in Saudi Arabia.

Sultan discusses Aseer’s unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, highlighting the region’s strategic goal of becoming a year-round sustainable tourism destination. He shares insights on infrastructure development, including the expansion of Abha Airport, and the importance of public-private partnerships in attracting foreign investment. The conversation also emphasises Aseer’s commitment to preserving its natural environment, with the creation of the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve, and how sustainability is at the core of its future growth.

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In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench, sits down with Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor for the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific. Duncan shares insights into his journey in hospitality, the strong post-pandemic performance of Accor, and the growth prospects in key markets like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India. He discusses Accor’s strategy of balancing profit, people, and planet, emphasising sustainable initiatives like organic farming and community support. Duncan also highlights Accor’s focus on talent development, the importance of fostering a multicultural workforce, and the critical role of training in retaining staff. The episode wraps up with Duncan’s thoughts on the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) as an essential platform for industry leaders to connect, share insights, and shape the future of hospitality.

Tune in to hear how Accor is leading the way in responsible hospitality and innovation in the region.

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Join Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench, as he sits down with David Keen, CEO & Founder of Quo, to explore the power of experiential branding in hospitality. David shares insights on how Quo brings brand cultures to life, the challenges of overtourism, and the role of technology in shaping the future of branding. Discover how unique brand identities are crafted and the importance of creativity in the evolving world of travel and hospitality.

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Giuliano Gasparini, Head of Hospitality Asset Management at WASL / Dubai Real Estate Corporation, talks about the evolving luxury hospitality market in this episode of the FHS Podcast. He explores trends in ultra-luxury experiences, the growing importance of ESG, and the rising role of specialized F&B operators in enhancing hotel value. Giuliano also shares insights on how asset managers can drive value and innovation in today’s competitive landscape.

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In this episode, Jonathan Worsley sits down with Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, to discuss the company's rapid growth as the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa. They explore Aleph's unique owner-focused approach, the shift towards franchise models, and how innovation, sustainability, and local expertise are driving their success. Bani also shares insights into Aleph’s future expansion plans and the key challenges facing the hospitality industry in the region.

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In the latest episode of the FHS Podcast, Naureen, Founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality, engages in a compelling conversation with Judith Cartwright, Founder & Managing Director of BlackCoral Consulting. Judith, an expert in hospitality asset management and commercial strategy, shares her insights on the significant shifts taking place in the industry. Traditionally, revenue optimisation in hotels focused on rooms; however, today’s approach encompasses all business units, including F&B, spas, and retail, ensuring every square metre of space yields a return.

Judith highlights the importance of holistic collaboration across teams, where operations, finance, and commercial departments work together to maximise profitability. This modern approach allows for more comprehensive revenue strategies, ensuring that even the smallest details, from menu design to retail positioning, are optimised to enhance both efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Judith also discusses her hands-on consultancy style, where she works closely with clients to implement bespoke strategies that consistently deliver double-digit growth. Beyond financial strategies, she shares invaluable advice for women in hospitality, encouraging them to seek and invest in personal development, and take bold steps in their careers.

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In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Matthew Weihs sits down with Wesam Okasha, Managing Director of TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts, to discuss the brand’s global expansion, particularly in Asia and Africa. Wesam highlights TUI’s innovative use of AI to reduce food waste, their strong commitment to sustainability, and the challenges of hotel development across diverse regions. They also explore TUI BLUE's goals for opening 200 hotels in the next eight years and their partnership with FHS World to boost brand awareness.

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In this episode of the FHS podcast, Jonathan Worsley speaks with Turab Saleem, Partner and Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure at Knight Frank, about the rapid growth of the hospitality sector in the Middle East. They discuss key industry trends, including wellness and experiential tourism, the adoption of A.I. and technology, and the impact of rising costs on development. Turab also highlights the region's evolving role as a global tourism hub and the importance of sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of hospitality.

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