RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy is proving to have a positive effect on the hospitality industry, as a changing guest profile, major infrastructure projects, new lifestyle offerings and fast-emerging digital innovation are providing the impetus for a new hospitality landscape in the Kingdom.

Things are starting to look up for hospitality and tourism, which is picking up the pieces from the devastation dealt by the COVID-19 pandemic. With Saudi Arabia reopening its borders to international tourists from Aug. 1, 2021, the Hotel Show Saudi Arabia 2021 in Riyadh from Sept. 7–9 will provide an essential platform to discuss and decide on the industry’s important changes and trends in person.

"Saudi Arabia's hotel pipeline growth as well as its many tourism developments will require a big increase in specialized hospitality professionals to operate these destinations.

“It is no secret that the Kingdom is well on its way to open the country's doors and heart to the international markets that are longing for genuine experiences, cultural connections and fully immersed journeys. Travelers want to learn about the Saudi culture, eat Saudi food and interact with the Saudi communities,” said Noelle Homsy, experiential lodging specialist.

“The Hotel Show KSA is contributing to building a strong generation of local hospitality and tourism professionals in Saudi Arabia and encouraging the youth to choose this sector for their careers," she added.

Jasmeet Bakshi, group event director, added, “The Hotel Show offers a unique opportunity for the hotel, restaurant, café and foodservice industry professionals in Saudi Arabia to gather, live and in-person, at the Riyadh at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center to revitalize hotel and hospitality sector after the long pause.

“With hundreds of global and regional suppliers and manufacturers, ready to do business with the thousands of buyers expected, the event is a vital platform for buyers and sellers to do major deals while and networking with industry peers.”

The Saudi Vision 2030 lends strong support to the hotel and tourism sector as a significant source of revenue. With the Kingdom’s plans to more than double its number of hotel rooms as part of its Vision 2030, the hospitality sector is witnessing phenomenal growth.

Also because of Vision 2030, there are plans to create attractions that are of the highest international standards, improve Saudi visa issuance procedure, and develop rare historical and heritage sites making it an important component in boosting non-oil revenue.

So it is apt that The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia 2021, after its official opening on the 7th of September, will have as its keynote on Vision 2030 and Hospitality, a precursor of the tailor-made agenda over three-days of lively, in-person discussions at the Hospitality Leadership Forum.

The first day will focus on investments as well as regenerative and sustainable tourism, discussing best practices from around the globe, new tech and innovation and centralized services, with the next two sessions on the future of the industry and market analysis on building the way forward.

The second day will center on the industry’s technological revolution and its adaptation, with the digital transformation impact on the guest experience, security and smart sustainable hospitality and Saudization. Leading into the third day with the attention on Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape and the F&B market trends and initiatives.

The exhibition and forum will be offering the participants a complete view of the market, especially after a year in the doldrums brought abut by the impact of the pandemic, not only on ways to look for a quick recovery, but a smart recovery.

“With multiple giga projects in the pipeline, a vision to transform the present-day landscape of the hospitality industry and the communities across, our partnerships and local focus will remain a mainstay of our growth.

“That is why the Hotel Show – Saudi Arabia is an important platform that will connect multiple stakeholders who contribute to turning the Vision a reality,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality.

The trade event will also offer a range of interactive features, live competitions, conferences and workshops that will offer a platform to those who are the lifeblood of the hotel, tourism, and F&B industry, from housekeepers and sous chefs to property owners & operators, general managers, and franchisees owners.

The event will be held within the framework of comprehensive precautionary measures to provide a safe environment for visitors and hoteliers to do business and discover new opportunities in a very promising market. — SG