Latest news with #HalaMatarChoufany
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
FHS Africa 2025 honours David Green, William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany
FHS Africa 2025 will honour William Heinecke, David Green, and Hala Matar Choufany for transformative leadership and impact in global hospitality. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award. The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact. William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name 'Minor'- a nod to being underage at the time – and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission. David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development – supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. 'Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability,' Green reflected. 'It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment.' Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation – principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide. A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. 'True leadership is not about titles or accolades,' she said. 'It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.' All three recipients will be featured in exclusive one-to-one interviews live on the FHS Africa stage, offering delegates a rare and intimate opportunity to hear their personal stories, leadership lessons and career highlights first-hand. These are not-to-be-missed sessions that will anchor the thought leadership agenda of FHS Africa 2025. Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry – visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event.' FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2025 Honours David Green, William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany for Visionary Leadership and Lasting Impact on the Hospitality Industry
AFRICA The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa&South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award. The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact. William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name 'Minor'- a nod to being underage at the time - and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission. David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development - supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. 'Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability,' Green reflected. 'It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment.' Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa&South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation - principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide. A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. 'True leadership is not about titles or accolades,' she said. 'It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.' All three recipients will be featured in exclusive one-to-one interviews live on the FHS Africa stage, offering delegates a rare and intimate opportunity to hear their personal stories, leadership lessons and career highlights first-hand. These are not-to-be-missed sessions that will anchor the thought leadership agenda of FHS Africa 2025. Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry - visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event.' FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench. For further information and high-resolution images, please contact: David Tarsh +44 (0) 20 7602 5262 +44 (0) 7770 816 070 Email: David@ About FHS Africa: For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa – formerly the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality. Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels&Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels&Resorts Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways Supported By: South Africa Tourism About The Bench: The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry. For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel&tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners&investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines&aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge. Learn more at Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. 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Khaleej Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Wellness to boom in region, drive travel, experts say
Wellness has become one of the most important factors that has been driving travel across the region and the world, according to commentators at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that began in Dubai on Monday. Some noted that it was a segment that would boom in the region. 'The main feeder market to Europe and the US is the GCC,' said Hala Matar Choufany, President of hospitality consulting company HVS. 'It is a segment that is set to grow in this region.' Another pointed out that wellness was an industry their customers were increasingly spending in. 'We see more and more cardholders asking for experiences,' said Leila Serhan, Senior VP at Visa. 'In our market survey we have found that wellness and lifestyle, which used to be in the top ten is now top three things that people want discounts for.' They were speaking at a panel discussion on the first day of ATM, which features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Taking place from April 28 to May 1, the event is often considered the hub of travel ideas in the Middle East. Therme Dubai Also at the conference were spokespersons from Therme Dubai, the elaborate wellness concept that is expected to be completed in the emirate by 2028. With hanging botanical gardens and hot springs, it is going to be the world's tallest wellbeing resort. In a video shown at an ATM conference, the renderings showed the 500,000 sqft. facility located in the middle of a lake in Zabeel Park. Expected to cater to 1.7 million visitors every year, the wellness resort is a 'social wellness infrastructure' according to Irina Matei, the CEO of Therme Dubai. 'We create ecosystems,' she said. 'We move from old days to new infrastructures. And our guests, they have an amazing journey. They can easily move from a thermal bath to a music performance from a child, wellness programming to a plant-based meal, all in one space. So this is how we engage communities and this is how we see a real shift when it comes to wellness.' A wellness infrastructure company, the Therme Group has a location in Bucharest, with more facilities expected to open across the world. Irina added that the company has been successful in 'democratising wellness' with its offerings. 'Wellness is a force of good,' she said. 'It builds communities and works a lot on the preventive side of things."
Khaleej Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: No-phone policies in hotels, darkness retreats on the rise, say tourism experts
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and constant digital stimulation, more people are seeking spaces that offer a 'complete escape' — not just from work and responsibilities, but from technology itself. One emerging trend capturing this need is the rise of 'darkness retreats' and 'no-phone policies' in hotels and wellness resorts. Darkness retreats, once a niche practice rooted in certain spiritual traditions, are becoming more mainstream, reiterated experts during a session titled Hospitality News ME Presents: Global trends and Predictions for 2025, on the inaugural day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that is currently underway in Dubai. Instead of endless scrolling, experts pointed out travellers seek restorative activities: nature walks, meditation sessions, analog games, creative workshops, or simple time for reflection. Some properties even design their rooms without Wi-Fi or televisions, promoting an environment where rest is truly prioritised. Real rest requires real disconnection This shift reflects a growing societal awareness -- real rest often requires real disconnection, after years of digital acceleration, especially following the pandemic, say experts. Hala Matar Choufany, President HVS Middle East and Africa, said, 'I think people are looking at trips and flights that not only physically move them but internally move them. Spiritual travelling is a trend now. People say they want to try our 'transformative experiences' around the world. Another thing that also gets a lot of attention are retreat spaces, or a really nice wellness resort in Sri Lanka. or Maldives. "So, I would say a place that can give you 'space to think'. The world's going through big shifts, and it's really intense. So, they either want to be in a place where they can just be 'silent for a little bit'. These are wellness places, or actually some (places offering) intense experiences that can move them and they could come back to their lives with a shift like a darkness retreat. Also, people like staying with tribes.' 'So also, what I see with AI and so much technology happening that is moving forward…there's a lot of going back to the roots that people are doing,' she added. Participants voluntarily spend several days — sometimes up to a week — in complete darkness. The goal is profound: by removing visual distractions and sensory input, individuals are encouraged to turn inward, often leading to deep emotional releases, heightened mental clarity, and even altered states of consciousness. Industry experts reiterated that the fastest growing segment is therefore 'experiential' travel which promises to be 'transformative'. This segment is growing and tipping into wellness, they explained. Popularised by wellness influencers, biohackers, and even some celebrities, darkness retreats are now being offered in specially designed facilities across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Parallel to this, many hotels, especially boutique wellness resorts and luxury eco-retreats, are embracing no-phone policies. Upon check-in, guests are encouraged — and sometimes required — to hand over their devices. Need for escapism? Eddy Tannous, COO at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC said, 'A lot of people are also doing phone parking. So, we have a leadership conference coming up and we're literally creating a parking spot outside the boardroom for people to park their phones.' Tourism heads underlined this growing trend of consciously disconnecting, even if just temporarily, reflects a broader societal need for mental space and genuine presence. Justin Reid, Senior Director of Global Partnerships said, 'I think the overarching theme from what we've found out is that travellers are looking for new experiences…yes… but I think there's a lot of 'escapism' is what people want. There's a lot of tough things going on in the world. The world is a bit topsy-turvy at the minute, and people, when they take their vacation want to get away. They want to really be able to decompress and have a changed experience that they'll have when they go on a holiday and come back, feeling refreshed and ready to go.'
