Latest news with #FutureHospitalitySummit
Tourism Breaking News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
FHS World announces first confirmed speakers for Middle East's leading hospitality investment summit
Post Views: 38 The first 50 of a plethora of hospitality and tourism industry leaders have been confirmed as speakers at the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 27-29 October. Globally renowned experts and personalities across hospitality, tourism, media and education are speaking at the Middle East's leading investment summit, held under the overarching theme for 2025 of Where Vision Leads, Investment Follows. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS World, said: 'FHS World may be three months away, but the planning and organisation, which started as soon as last year's event finished, is in full swing. Our first speakers are confirmed, and hundreds of attendees have already signed up for the region's leading hospitality investment summit. 'FHS World gets bigger, bolder and better every year, and we are proud to announce our first 50 speakers and rapidly-evolving agenda at this early stage. We look forward to welcoming back some of our regular speaker participants alongside industry leaders who will be joining us for the first time, when the global hospitality and tourism investment fraternity gathers in Dubai in October.' With an expected attendance of more than 1,600 delegates, FHS World 2025 will feature its usual highly-anticipated, action-packed agenda addressing key industry opportunities, challenges and trends across three stages, with additional workshop rooms and breakout areas. Centred around the event theme, Where Vision Leads, Investment Follows, the FHS World programme covers everything from investment to innovation, sustainability to staffing and technology to tourism trends, with keynote speeches, panel discussion, presentations and round table debates on the agenda. Follow FHS World for updates and speakers. This year, FHS World will zoom in on global hospitality investment with a focus on projects, financing models and hotel performance. In addition, the country pavilions are back again for 2025 with, amongst others, China, Italy, Maldives and the Philippines showcasing their hospitality and tourism investment offerings. Also back by popular demand is the Branded Residences Forum, which takes a deep dive into the rapidly growing branded residences sector, with input from a host of global experts in the field. Details of the speakers can be found at with the list constantly updated as more sign up. Confirmed speakers include: • Abdullah Al Moosa, Founder & Chairman, A. A. Al Moosa Enterprises (ARENCO Group) – Winner of the 2025 FHS Lifetime Achievement Award • Stephen Sackur, Former Presenter, BBC HARDTalk • Thomas B. Meier, Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah • Nick Candy, Chief Executive Officer, Candy Capital • Dr. Achim Schmitt, Dean, EHL Hospitality Business School • Professor Marc Lepere, Lead in ESG & Sustainability, Executive Education Department of Banking & Finance, King's Business School • Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Arada • Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification, Aston Martin • Hans Meyer, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Zoku • Daniel Thorniley, Economist & President, DT-Global Business Consulting • Eleonora Srugo, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker & Star of Netflix's Selling the City
Mid East Info
15-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
FHS World announces first confirmed speakers for Middle East's leading hospitality investment summit - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE. 15 July 2025. The first 50 of a plethora of hospitality and tourism industry leaders have been confirmed as speakers at the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 27-29 October. Globally renowned experts and personalities across hospitality, tourism, media and education are speaking at the Middle East's leading investment summit, held under the overarching theme for 2025 of Where Vision Leads, Investment Follows. Details of the speakers can be found at with the list constantly updated as more sign up. Confirmed speakers include: Abdullah Al Moosa , Founder & Chairman, A. A. Al Moosa Enterprises (ARENCO Group) – Winner of the 2025 FHS Lifetime Achievement Award , Founder & Chairman, A. A. Al Moosa Enterprises (ARENCO Group) – Winner of the 2025 FHS Lifetime Achievement Award Stephen Sackur , Former Presenter, BBC HARDTalk , Former Presenter, BBC HARDTalk Thomas B. Meier , Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah , Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Nick Candy, Chief Executive Officer, Candy Capital Chief Executive Officer, Candy Capital Achim Schmitt , Dean, EHL Hospitality Business School , Dean, EHL Hospitality Business School Professor Marc Lepere , Lead in ESG & Sustainability, Executive Education Department of Banking & Finance, King's Business School , Lead in ESG & Sustainability, Executive Education Department of Banking & Finance, King's Business School Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Arada Stefano Saporetti , Director of Brand Diversification, Aston Martin , Director of Brand Diversification, Aston Martin Hans Meyer, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Zoku Daniel Thorniley , Economist & President, DT-Global Business Consulting , Economist & President, DT-Global Business Consulting Eleonora Srugo, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker & Star of Netflix's Selling the City Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS World, said: 'FHS World may be three months away, but the planning and organisation, which started as soon as last year's event finished, is in full swing. Our first speakers are confirmed, and hundreds of attendees have already signed up for the region's leading hospitality investment summit. 'FHS World gets bigger, bolder and better every year, and we are proud to announce our first 50 speakers and rapidly-evolving agenda at this early stage. We look forward to welcoming back some of our regular speaker participants alongside industry leaders who will be joining us for the first time, when the global hospitality and tourism investment fraternity gathers in Dubai in October.' With an expected attendance of more than 1,600 delegates, FHS World 2025 will feature its usual highly-anticipated, action-packed agenda addressing key industry opportunities, challenges and trends across three stages, with additional workshop rooms and breakout areas. Centred around the event theme, Where Vision Leads, Investment Follows , the FHS World programme covers everything from investment to innovation, sustainability to staffing and technology to tourism trends, with keynote speeches, panel discussion, presentations and round table debates on the agenda. Follow FHS World for updates and speakers. This year, FHS World will zoom in on global hospitality investment with a focus on projects, financing models and hotel performance. In addition, the country pavilions are back again for 2025 with, amongst others, China, Italy, Maldives and the Philippines showcasing their hospitality and tourism investment offerings. Also back by popular demand is the Branded Residences Forum, which takes a deep dive into the rapidly growing branded residences sector, with input from a host of global experts in the field.
Syyaha
15-07-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
FHS World announces first confirmed speakers for Middle East's leading hospitality investment summit
Dubai, UAE. 15 July 2025. The first 50 of a plethora of hospitality and tourism industry leaders have been confirmed as speakers at the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 27-29 renowned experts and personalities across hospitality, tourism, media and education are speaking at the Middle East's leading investment summit, held under the overarching theme for 2025 of Where Vision Leads, Investment of the speakers can be found at with the list constantly updated as more sign up. Confirmed speakers include:• Abdullah Al Moosa, Founder & Chairman, A. A. Al Moosa Enterprises (ARENCO Group) – Winner of the 2025 FHS Lifetime Achievement Award• Stephen Sackur, Former Presenter, BBC HARDTalk• Thomas B. Meier, Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah• Nick Candy, Chief Executive Officer, Candy Capital• Dr. Achim Schmitt, Dean, EHL Hospitality Business School• Professor Marc Lepere, Lead in ESG & Sustainability, Executive Education Department of Banking & Finance, King's Business School• Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Arada• Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification, Aston Martin• Hans Meyer, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Zoku• Daniel Thorniley, Economist & President, DT-Global Business Consulting • Eleonora Srugo, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker & Star of Netflix's Selling the City Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS World, said: 'FHS World may be three months away, but the planning and organisation, which started as soon as last year's event finished, is in full swing. Our first speakers are confirmed, and hundreds of attendees have already signed up for the region's leading hospitality investment summit.'FHS World gets bigger, bolder and better every year, and we are proud to announce our first 50 speakers and rapidly-evolving agenda at this early stage. We look forward to welcoming back some of our regular speaker participants alongside industry leaders who will be joining us for the first time, when the global hospitality and tourism investment fraternity gathers in Dubai in October.'With an expected attendance of more than 1,600 delegates, FHS World 2025 will feature its usual highly-anticipated, action-packed agenda addressing key industry opportunities, challenges and trends across three stages, with additional workshop rooms and breakout around the event theme, Where Vision Leads, Investment Follows, the FHS World programme covers everything from investment to innovation, sustainability to staffing and technology to tourism trends, with keynote speeches, panel discussion, presentations and round table debates on the agenda. Follow FHS World for updates and year, FHS World will zoom in on global hospitality investment with a focus on projects, financing models and hotel performance. In addition, the country pavilions are back again for 2025 with, amongst others, China, Italy, Maldives and the Philippines showcasing their hospitality and tourism investment offerings. Also back by popular demand is the Branded Residences Forum, which takes a deep dive into the rapidly growing branded residences sector, with input from a host of global experts in the field.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Accor Signs Novotel Victoria Falls, Marking Strategic Market Entry into Zimbabwe
Accor ( a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the signing of Novotel Victoria Falls, a landmark project set within Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The agreement, signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa, marks Accor's market entry into Zimbabwe, leveraging a first-mover advantage in one of Africa's most iconic destinations and underscoring the Group's commitment to pioneering development in emerging markets. Scheduled to open in 2028, the 111-key new-build property will be developed under a management agreement with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust, a Development REIT focused on high-quality assets across tourism, hospitality, health, retail, and residential sectors. Located in the Eagle Heights precinct, in a prime location overlooking the Masuwe River, the hotel will blend natural beauty with Novotel's modern, family-friendly hospitality. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed experience, with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, kids' club, all-day dining restaurant, and destination bar - designed to meet the needs of modern travellers seeking comfort, connection, and local discovery. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls is not only a dramatic natural wonder but also a world-renowned hub for adventure tourism, offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and scenic helicopter flights. 'This signing represents a bold step forward in our development strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa,' said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale&Economy Division, Middle East, Africa&Türkiye at Accor. 'Victoria Falls is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations, and we are proud to bring the Novotel brand experience to Zimbabwe for the very first time. As a first mover, we see this project as a gateway to long-term sustainable growth in the country.' The signing signals a strategic entry for Accor into a destination with growing regional and domestic tourism and a limited presence of global hotel brands. Bevin Ngara, Managing Director of Eagle Asset Managers, the Eagle REIT Fund Managers, added: 'We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring an international standard of hospitality to Victoria Falls. This project reflects our vision of investing in transformative developments that elevate tourism and deliver value to local communities and investors alike.' Novotel, with over 590 hotels across 68 countries and 180+ more in the pipeline, champions balanced living for both business travellers and families. As the first internationally branded Novotel in Zimbabwe, the hotel will meet the rising demand for high-quality yet accessible accommodation in Victoria Falls supporting the city's evolution into a year-round destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Accor. Contacts media relations: Cybelle Daou Khadij Director PR&Communications Middle East, Africa and Türkiye Follow on Social Media: X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok: About Accor: Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars&restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle, with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit About Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust (Eagle REIT): Eagle REIT is Zimbabwe's first dollar-denominated Development REIT focusing on developing high-impact real estate assets across the hospitality, healthcare, and residential sectors. It is also the first REIT to be listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), a member of the International Financial Services Center. The REIT is managed by Eagle Asset Management, a licensed investment manager and a subsidiary of Zimre Holdings Limited.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Valor Hospitality Partners announces two significant deals in West Africa, estimated value of R540 million
Valor Hospitality Partners ( a global leader in full-service hospitality solutions, today announced the signing of two new hotel management contracts in Nigeria and Senegal representing an investment in excess of approximately R540 million in West Africa. The deals were signed at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) taking place in Cape Town this week. The significant figure represents the combined capital expenditure for the development and establishment of the two new-build properties. Both deals are franchise agreements with IHG Hotels&Resorts, one of the world's leading hospitality companies. The agreements are to manage the new Holiday Inn SD City in Dakar, Senegal and a new Crowne Plaza hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. Significantly, these signings are Valor's debut in the very dynamic West African market, and join Valor's portfolio in Central, East and Southern Africa, and further strengthen Valor's relationship with IHG globally. Across the two properties, Valor will be responsible for the successful opening and operational management of each hotel. 'The hospitality sector on the continent is teeming with opportunity, and represents an incredible frontier for the adoption of fully-integrated management services. These signings speak to this reality and we're excited to further expand our footprint across Africa, not only for its market potential but for the value we can bring in enhancing the sector for all stakeholders - from owners and developers, right down to the guest experience,' says Michael Pownall, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Valor Hospitality Partners. Beyond the monetary investment, these deals signify confidence in the region's hospitality and the growing preference for leveraging fully-integrated management services, such as those offered by Valor, to ensure global best-in-class management and operational practices at every level. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG Hotels&Resorts , said: "Valor Hospitality is amongst our key strategic partners in the region and we're pleased to further extend the partnership as we expand our footprint in high-potential African markets. We look forward to working with Valor in delivering world-class welcoming experiences for travellers, across our portfolio with them. Pownall adds: 'These new deals represent a significant entry into a new, key market – namely Senegal and Nigeria in West Africa. This expansion diversifies our regional presence and strengthens our market position.' Thanks to the global insights and strategic thinking Valor brings to the industry, combined with their commitment to blending a big-picture view with regional and cultural nuances, Valor is cementing its position as a preferred partner to significant players in the hospitality sector across Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Valor Hospitality. For media inquiries and high-resolution imagesplease contact: Delia de Villiers delia@ +27 73 710 3000 For more information about Valor Hospitality and its innovative approach to hotel management and franchising visit ABOUT VALOR HOSPITALITY PARTNERS: Valor Hospitality Partners ( is a leading global full-service hotel underwriting, acquisition, development, management, and asset management company. With over 90 hospitality projects in its international portfolio, Valor Hospitality offers an array of services, including site selection, product and brand selection, entitlements, financing solutions, conceptual design, construction and project management, procurement, technical services, pre-opening, and operations management. Valor also provides consulting services on a wide range of project scenarios, including working with new or existing ownership groups on reviewing site selection, assessing feasibility studies and project budgets, compiling project budgets, and underwriting. For more information, visit connect with Valor on Facebook ( and LinkedIn (
