The second in a series of Interviews with Industry Leaders attending FHS Saudi Arabia taking place on the 29 April - 01 May 2024 at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. Today we speak with Elie Milky, Vice President, Development, Middle East, Pakistan, Greece, and Cyprus, Radisson Hotel Group

What are your core areas of focus when it comes to investment? I.e in the areas of innovation, sustainability, human capital and/or technology?
Our focus remains on innovation and human capital. By emphasizing innovation, we acknowledge the need for constant evolution and adaptation to meet the changing needs of customers and the industry at large. This encompasses adopting new technologies and developing new business models and strategies to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. And sustainability is an integral part of this continuous journey of innovation as we continue to improve our offering to the environment and the communities we operate in with our state-of-the-art responsible business programmes.
The millions spent on platforms and distribution channels annually highlight a significant investment in technology, an integral part of innovation. This investment ensures that Radisson Hotel Group remains competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape, improving customer engagement and operational capabilities. As a customer-centric company, Radisson Hotel Group has focused on offering one-to-one personalized experiences to its users. On the website and app, customized content is now offered to more than 60 markets, resulting in a double-digit conversion increase and 3X more “Click Through Rate” compared to generic. Radisson Hotel Group is in a unique position to offer owners and investors a strong portfolio of brands, solid reservation systems, best-in-class GOP to ensure increased revenues convert to profit, and comprehensive leading revenue management systems to maximize the flow with one brand per segment.
Our people are our biggest asset. Our teams continue to show remarkable resilience, commitment, an unfailing Yes I Can spirit, and, most importantly, kindness and generosity towards the local communities where we operate and live.

What is your outlook for the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East in 2024 and beyond?
Saudi Arabia will continue to lead the region with the strongest pipeline as it becomes the primary hospitality market in the region. Vision 2030, as well as investments across the country, giga developments, and recently securing other mega events such as Expo 2030 and other sports events, will keep the Kingdom at the forefront of investment activities for not only 2024 but for the next decade. Saudi Arabia’s awakening also has a ripple effect on neighboring countries in the region to invest in their tourism strategies and attract investors. This will further fuel opportunities for hotel projects across the region. This regional dynamism is expected to create opportunities for new hotel projects and other hospitality-related ventures, contributing to economic growth and diversification.

What does your panel/presentation/workshop at FHS focus on and what will delegates be able to take away from your session?
We will discuss shifting legal agreements in the industry and domestic tourism across the Kingdom, highlighting the critical trends and challenges within the hospitality industry.
Bringing these topics to the forefront aims to provide delegates with valuable insights into navigating the legal landscape and capitalizing on the growing trend of domestic tourism within the Kingdom. This focus reflects an understanding of the critical factors that will influence the success, sustainability of hospitality ventures in the region and how to remain competitive in an evolving market.

What are you looking forward to most from your attendance at FHS Saudi Arabia?
I look forward to meeting new investors and reconnecting with our partners and industry colleagues. Events like FHS provide a unique platform for professionals to share insights, explore new opportunities, and strengthen existing relationships. I also look forward to welcoming everyone to our iconic Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, for an evening reception on 30th April, the second day of the summit.