Btn Interview News
BTN Interviews: Juan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of Calvià
Calvià is preparing for a major year of transformation in 2026, aligned with the Balearic Islands’ wider cultural, sustainability and tourism renaissance. With new hotel openings, major cultural events, improved air connectivity and the redevelopment of the Magaluf Promenade, the region is elevating its appeal for families, luxury travellers and sports enthusiasts alike. Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual emphasises a clear vision focused on higher-quality tourism, upgraded public spaces, environmental protection and year-round cultural and sporting activity. As Mallorca embraces innovation and sustainable growth, Calvià stands at the forefront—balancing modernisation with community wellbeing and positioning itself as one of Europe’s most dynamic coastal destinations.
BTN Interviews Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana
In this pre-FHS World 2025 interview, Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana, reflects on the industry’s transformation from real estate-driven investment to experience-led value creation, where brand strength, operational agility, and technology define success. He identifies people, technology, and sustainability as the three forces shaping hospitality’s future, emphasising Rotana’s focus on leadership development, digital innovation through AI-powered Rotana.com, and eco-conscious partnerships with Ecolab and Stella Hospitality. At FHS World 2025 in Dubai, Tannous will speak on rebuilding the hospitality workforce, highlighting how empowering people and fostering belonging drive long-term excellence. He looks forward to connecting with peers and exchanging ideas that fuel innovation and responsible growth across the region.
BTN Interviews Maya Ziadeh, Chief Development Officer, Premium Midscale & Economy at Accor
In this pre-FHS World 2025 interview, Maya Ziadeh, Chief Development Officer, Premium Midscale & Economy at Accor for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, discusses the rise of midscale hotels as a major force reshaping hospitality investment. Driven by rising construction costs, emerging markets, and evolving traveller expectations, the segment now serves as a growth engine aligned with national visions and investor priorities. Ziadeh highlights Accor’s landmark partnership with BinDawood Investment, adding over 3,000 keys across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, as an example of scalable expansion. At FHS World 2025, she will explore how adaptability, authenticity, and agile execution are defining hospitality’s next chapter while celebrating the industry’s collaboration, innovation, and momentum.
BTN Interviews Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments
In this pre-FHS World 2025 interview, Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, CEO of Taiba Investments, reflects on how hospitality has evolved from service delivery to experience creation, driven by purpose, culture, and innovation. Inspired by Saudi Vision 2030, Taiba’s Forward Hospitality model blends technology, sustainability, and authentic Saudi warmth to create meaningful, human-centered experiences. Looking ahead, he sees the industry shaped by sustainability, innovation, and connection, with the challenge of ensuring technology enhances, rather than replaces, humanity. At FHS World 2025, Al-Otaibi aims to highlight Taiba’s transformative projects—Rixos Obhur Jeddah, Makarem Burj Al Madinah, and Crowne Plaza Al Takassousi—which embody the renewed spirit and authenticity of Saudi hospitality.
BTN Interviews Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy division MENA
In this pre-FHS World 2025 interview, Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific at Accor, reflects on how hospitality has evolved into a diversified, purpose-driven ecosystem, where investors now focus on long-term value through lifestyle brands, sustainability, and technology. Looking ahead, he highlights personalisation, responsible investment, and talent development as key drivers of growth, with technology enhancing both operations and guest experience. At FHS World 2025 in Dubai, Duncan will join the UAE Africa Investment Tourism Summit panel, “Private Sector Leading the Way: Investors and Operators at the Forefront,” discussing how collaboration and private investment are shaping innovation across regions. He looks forward to engaging with peers to champion a more inclusive, tech-enabled, and human-centric future for hospitality.
BTN Interviews - Nic Mayer, Partner, PwC Global Tourism Industry Leader
This pre-FHS World 2025 interview features Nic Mayer, Partner and PwC Global Tourism Industry Leader, who shares his perspective on the evolution of hospitality investment. He discusses how the sector has become an institutionalised asset class and outlines the key forces shaping its future—destination activation, technology, and sustainability—ahead of his session in Dubai.
BTN Interviews Mr. Kevin Robinson, Chief Operating Officer, Langham Hospitality Group
In this interview, the COO of Langham Hospitality Group shares his vision for the brand’s future, drawing on decades of global leadership and his previous role in launching The Langham, Chicago. With a goal to manage 100 hotels by 2040, he outlines a strategy focused on scalable operations, strong owner relationships, and innovative guest experiences powered by AI and data. Emphasizing sustainability through the Group’s CONNECT programme and a commitment to Net-Zero by 2045, he also highlights the importance of digital marketing, loyalty platforms, and the travel trade in deepening guest engagement. His leadership blends operational discipline with entrepreneurial agility to ensure Langham’s continued growth and excellence worldwide.