In the lead up to the Future Hospitality Summit -FHS World 2024, taking place at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah 30 September – 2 October, we interviewed a number of industry leader and FHS World Speakers about their outlook for the industry and what they are looking forward to most at the event this year.

BTN:What are the most important aspects and priorities on which to focus when it comes to hospitality investment in order to get the best ROI?

PL: To achieve the maximum return on investment, a thorough feasibility analysis of the land in question is essential to identifying the most suitable asset class. This includes determining the project’s optimal size, configuration, positioning and investment budget. By understanding the land’s potential and limitations, investors can make informed decisions that align with market demands and opportunities.

Before commencing any development, we need to ensure that full funding is complete and set in place. This financial stability allows for uninterrupted progress and helps avoid potential delays or compromises that could arise from funding shortages. Securing total funding upfront provides a solid foundation for the project’s success.

It also heavily depends on having the right team in place. Onboarding experienced consultants who can deliver on the project’s goals within the defined investment budget would ensure that the development is carried out efficiently, adhering to the highest standards and maximizing the return on investment.

BTN: What is your outlook for the hospitality industry in the UAE and the wider Middle East region for the rest of the year and in 2025?

PL: We have a positive outlook for the hospitality industry and see significant potential for expansion and growth. Wyndham has several development plans in the pipeline for 2025, focusing primarily on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. Each of these markets presents unique opportunities for advancement and innovation, which we are eager to explore.

In the UAE and Qatar and Türkiye, our strategy is centered on advanced brownfield developments and the conversion of operational assets. By targeting projects already under construction or existing assets that can be revitalized, we aim to continue the ongoing momentum and market demand in these regions. These initiatives allow us to optimize resources and expedite the delivery of high-quality hospitality experiences. However, for Saudi Arabia, our approach includes brownfield developments and greenfield projects, namely new construction developments, and particularly in smaller cities outside the main commercial hubs of Riyadh, Jeddah, the Eastern Province and the two Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. By exploring opportunities in these smaller cities, we aim to contribute to the broader development goals of Saudi Arabia and support its Vision 2030 objectives.
Our outlook for the hospitality industry is optimistic. We are actively identifying and pursuing growth across these key markets while at the same time we are monitoring other markets with strong fundamentals.

BTN: More and more people are looking for sustainable accommodation when they travel. What ESG measures is your organisation taking to not only meet government directives but also to attract – and retain – green-thinking guests?

PL: At Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, we recognize the increasing demand for sustainable accommodation. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining environmentally conscious guests through our comprehensive ESG measures, including the Wyndham Green program. This program minimizes our environmental footprint and promotes sustainable practices across our global portfolio. Our commitment to sustainability is to meet government directives and align with the values of our green-thinking guests.

Tech, smart systems, and AI are increasingly crucial in our industry.  But are we not in danger of losing the personal, interactive experience that only face-to-face contact can bring? How are you balancing embracing new technology while maintaining the personal touch? 

While AI and technological advancements are crucial in enhancing the hospitality experience, we understand the importance of the personal touch. We believe in using technology to support our teams, providing them with the tools and information they need to deliver outstanding service. After all, we are in the service industry, and our greatest asset is our teams and people.

BTN: FHS World is more significant than ever this year, with expanded exhibition space, more insight, discussion and debate, and new features.  What aspects are you most looking forward to, and what do you hope to take away from the event?

PL: I’m thrilled about the expanded Future Hospitality Summit World this year, particularly the country pavilions, ESG and AI forums, and discussion stages. These will provide invaluable insights into global hospitality trends, regional challenges, and developments. I eagerly look forward to discussing sustainable practices and technology integration that enhance guest experiences. I aim to forge new partnerships to enable Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to continue delivering exceptional hospitality across the Middle East and Africa.