Riyadh Prepares for the Largest Future Hospitality Summit Yet
Get ready, Riyadh! Over 1,200 investors from around the globe are gearing up to attend the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit in Saudi Arabia, set to be the biggest one yet.
From April 29 to May 1, the Al Faisaliah Hotel will be hosting this grand event, focusing on sustainable tourism and technology-driven hospitality with the theme, “Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together.”
Industry leaders will gather to discuss sustainable development, investment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and human capital, while gaining insights into the continuous growth of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
This three-day conference, boasting more than 150 speakers, is the seventh industry event for the Saudi market hosted by The Bench, a renowned British business events firm.
Jonathan Worsley, chairman of The Bench, expressed, “The objectives of FHS Saudi Arabia are strategically aligned with Vision 2030, and our carefully curated program will focus on the development and sustainable growth of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia, embracing tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as investment and job creation opportunities.”
The summit will highlight strategies to nurture the growth of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, positioning it as a key driver of the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.
Furthermore, it will foster collaboration within the tourism industry by showcasing its potential and opportunities for partnerships.
Day 1: A Feast for the Senses
The first day of the summit will kick off with the Global Restaurant Investment Forum, dedicated to exploring Riyadh’s burgeoning dining scene through presentations, case studies, and panel discussions.
GRIF, founded in 2015, is a three-day conference held in Dubai and Amsterdam. This year, it will be integrated into FHS Saudi Arabia, catering to investors seeking growth opportunities in restaurant concepts.
Speakers at the event will include industry experts like Martin Raymond, co-founder of the Future Laboratory, and Christopher Sanderson, another co-founder of the Future Laboratory.
Additionally, the program will feature GRIF Culinary Tours and the Startup Den, where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investor judges.
The afternoon of April 29 will see the FHS Intelligence Talks, covering topics such as wellness travel and the future of hotels.
Jonathan Worsley emphasized the summit’s immersive experience, offering engaging presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to foster learning, dialogue, and meaningful connections.
Day 2: A Deep Dive into Hospitality Investment
On the second day, Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid will deliver welcome remarks, followed by plenary sessions on hospitality investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and successful market entry strategies.
The day will include discussions on public-private collaborations, financial resilience, and sustainable hospitality investment, with a strong focus on technology.
New additions to this year’s summit include the “Destination Tomorrow” platform and the Speakers Corner, showcasing emerging locations and success stories in the industry.
Startup Den: Where Innovation Takes Center Stage
The highly anticipated Startup Den will return this year, featuring a panel of expert judges and 10 finalists pitching their business concepts.
The summit is also highlighting female representation in the industry, empowering women in hospitality and recognizing their significant role.
Last year, FHS Saudi Arabia welcomed over 1,100 delegates, 150 speakers from 35 countries, and 71 sponsors and partners. Get ready for an even bigger and better summit this time around!