DUBAI: The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World is coming back to Madinat Jumeirah from September 30 to October 2. This year’s event will be the biggest yet, with over 1,500 industry leaders and more than 110 expert speakers. The summit will feature important talks and announcements about the future of hospitality and tourism.
The Bench, the event’s organizer, has expanded FHS from a Middle East-focused event to a global platform. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “FHS World has become a top event for the global hospitality industry. It has grown from a regional event to one that now draws over 1,500 delegates from around the world.”
The 2024 summit, themed “Invest in Our Future,” will focus on key challenges in hospitality today. These include sustainability, innovation, and technology. Worsley highlighted these topics, saying, “This year’s theme focuses on how investment, innovation, and sustainability will drive the future of hospitality.”
There will be over 40 sessions on four stages: Summit, Future, Exhibition, and Innovation. Topics will cover areas like sustainable development, environmental rules, real estate, technology, and human resources.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is a big focus at FHS World 2024. Worsley said the event’s attention to eco-friendly practices has grown each year. Sessions will cover topics like reducing carbon emissions, growing sustainable tourism, and creating hotels that are good for both the environment and business. “We aim to build business models that are both profitable and eco-friendly,” Worsley said.
One key session is “Greening Hospitality: ESG Law Compliance Impacting Hotel Real Estate Value.” It will look at the growing pressure on hotels to follow environmental rules. Hala Matar Choufany said, “Stricter environmental standards are a major challenge for hotels as governments and investors push for more compliance.”
Technology and Innovation at the Forefront
FHS World 2024 is also focusing on how new technology is changing the hospitality industry. Worsley said that tools like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation are making things more efficient and personal for guests. Experts like Nicolas Nasra and Piergiorgio Schirru will talk about how AI can help hotels manage money better and improve guest experiences.
Worsley added, “Technology is changing our industry. From robots to AI, these tools make systems more efficient, but we also need to think about issues like data protection.”
Investing in Hospitality’s Future
The summit will also focus on investment opportunities, especially in branded residences. These are becoming popular in the Middle East and beyond. Worsley said, “Investors want assets that are stable in changing markets, and branded residences are seen as a safe choice.” The Branded Residences Forum, hosted by Accor One Living, will be a big attraction for people interested in real estate, branding, and hospitality.
Choufany talked about other investment trends, like extended-stay properties and co-living spaces. “As remote work and digital nomadism grow, there’s more demand for places that mix home comforts with hotel services,” she said.
Global Participation and Competitions
This year’s FHS will also have Country Pavilions. Nations like Greece, Italy, Morocco, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka will show off their hospitality projects and investment opportunities to a global audience. Worsley said, “These pavilions give countries a special chance to show their hospitality sectors to international investors.”
The event will also celebrate innovation and creativity through competitions. These include the semi-finals of the UN Tourism Women in Tech Start-Up Competition and the Sustainable Cook-Off, where top UAE chefs will cook with local ingredients. The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, a student competition, will also return to recognize new ideas in the industry.
“One of our most anticipated events is the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, which fosters true sustainability through collaboration and is judged by global industry leaders,” Worsley added.
Addressing Key Challenges
Labor shortages, sustainability rules, and the need for green technologies will be discussed with practical solutions. Worsley said FHS World brings together experts in automation, green tech, and workforce development to solve these issues. Attendees will learn tools to handle the future of hospitality.
As the summit grows, FHS World stays focused on shaping the future of hospitality. It helps leaders form partnerships and grow their businesses in a sustainable way. Worsley said, “Our goal is to connect people, drive innovation, and build the future of hospitality and tourism.”
With more topics and speakers than ever, FHS World 2024 will be a key event, offering valuable insights and chances for networking and investment.
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