“Future Hospitality Summit to Highlight Growth and Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Industry”

Future Hospitality Summit: A Catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Industry

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS), scheduled to take place at the end of April in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is set to attract over 1,200 investors from around the globe. This event is expected to be the largest FHS ever hosted in Saudi Arabia, shining a spotlight on the country’s burgeoning tourism industry. The summit will focus on sustainable tourism and technology-driven hospitality under the theme, “Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together.”

Aligning with Vision 2030

The objectives of FHS Saudi Arabia align strategically with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. The summit will feature discussions on sustainable development, investment prospects, entrepreneurship, and human capital, providing insights into the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

The event is organized by The Bench, a British business events firm, and will feature more than 150 speakers. The summit aims to foster growth in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, positioning it as a key driver of the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.

Day 1: Global Restaurant Investment Forum and FHS Intelligence Talks

The first day of the conference will be dedicated to the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF), exploring Riyadh’s growing dining culture. The GRIF, founded in 2015, has been a three-day conference held in Dubai and Amsterdam, and this year it will be incorporated at FHS Saudi Arabia.

The afternoon will kick off with the FHS Intelligence Talks, covering topics such as “The Future of Wellness – New Data on Wellness Travel” and “The Hotel of the Future”.

Day 2: Investment Opportunities and Market Entry Strategies

The second day of the conference will cover a wide range of topics including “Hospitality Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia in Alignment with Vision 2030” and a panel discussion on “A Blueprint for Successful Market Entry and Investment”.

Moreover, sustainable hospitality investment and development will take center stage in the FHS program, alongside a significant emphasis on technology. Industry leaders will delve into discussions on the future of artificial intelligence and the metaverse in hospitality, explore the convergence of AI, IT, and human interaction for enhancing guest experiences, and offer valuable insights on tech stack investment strategies for both owners and operators.

Startup Den: A Platform for Entrepreneurs

The highly anticipated Startup Den returns this year, following its success at FHS Saudi Arabia 2023. The panel of judges for this year include Prince Saud Al-Saud, executive director of TDF Grow, Salma Arafa, an innovation expert at UN Tourism, and Maya Ayoub, the founder and CEO of District Twelve and also country director of Saudi Arabia Women in Tech.

Empowering Women in the Hospitality Industry

FHS Saudi Arabia is placing a greater emphasis on female representation than ever before, as a testament to The Bench’s dedication to empowering women in the hospitality industry and acknowledging their role within the sector.

Last year, FHS Saudi Arabia welcomed over 1,100 delegates and featured 150 speakers from over 35 countries with 71 sponsors and partners. This year’s event is expected to be even bigger, further highlighting the growing importance of the hospitality and tourism sectors in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts.