Inspiring Transformation / March 2025 Updates

NextGen Investment Forum launched in Riyadh to build future hospitality leaders, Julia Simpson & 60 other speakers to take center stage at FHS Saudi Arabia, Special Rate Passes for Saudi National Women; FHS World to launch ESG Solution Lab while top hospitality players join as sponsors; FHS Africa to host webinar on exclusive hotel pipeline data & key stories to tune into.

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry is set to create over a million new jobs by 2030—and the NextGen Investment Forum at FHS Saudi Arabia is leading the charge.

Taking place on 11 May 2025, this first-of-its-kind initiative will unite industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to tackle hospitality’s biggest workforce challenges, from bridging skill gaps to increasing female participation—currently just 8% of the workforce.

Julia Simpson, CEO, WTTC & 60 others join FHS Saudi programme

11-13 May 2025

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

From high-profile keynotes to deep-dive panels and investor-led discussions, this is where Saudi Arabia’s hospitality vision turns into action. 

60+ industry leaders from some of the most influential companies in global hospitality are confirmed to take the stage, including: Al Khozama, Taiba Investments, Alrajhi Bank, Amsa Hospitality, Saudi Icon, The Ascott Limited, Accor, BWH Hotels, Club Med, Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group, UN Tourism and more.

Randy Durband Joins FHS World as ESG Solution Lab Debuts

25-27 October 2025 Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Sustainability takes centre stage at FHS World 2025, with Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), leading discussions on responsible tourism and sustainable growth.

In partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, FHS World is launching the ESG Solution Lab—an interactive space showcasing cutting-edge innovations and best practices shaping the future of sustainable hospitality.

25-27 October 2025 Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Our panel of sponsors and partners keeps growing as we welcome PwC Middle East as our Knowledge Partner for 2025. Other leading global hospitality operators and developers and have also joined the roster.

If you’re looking to showcase your brand to a carefully curated audience of C-level hospitality executives and investors, connect with us for a tailored package.

#FHSWomenPower: Empowering Saudi Women in Hospitality

11-13 May 2025 Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

FHS Saudi Arabia is leading women empowerment in the industry with exclusive passes for Saudi national women in hospitality. First-time attendees can apply for complimentary passes, while returning attendees enjoy a 25% discount—making career growth more accessible than ever.

With specialised workshops and more women speakers, FHS is shaping a more inclusive hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia.

Upcoming FHS Africa Webinar to Reveal Exclusive Hotel Pipeline Data

17-19 June 2025 The Westin Cape Town, South Africa

FHS Africa is hosting an exclusive webinar on 7 March at 11:00 AM GMT, featuring Trevor Ward, Principal at W Hospitality Group. The session will unveil insights from the latest Pipeline Report, analysing hotel openings across Africa in 2024 and the investment trends shaping the region’s hospitality sector.

Tune In: Insights with Industry Visionaries

Strategic Tourism Growth - Former Tourism Minister

Nikolina Angelkova, Former Minister Tourism, Bulgaria

How do you strategically grow a nation’s tourism sector by 35% with a €6 million budget?

In this must-listen episode, Bulgaria’s former Minister of Tourism shares how she transformed Bulgaria’s tourism landscape—boosting visitor numbers to 9.3 million and increasing the sector’s GDP contribution to 14%. 

Previewing the Tourism and Aviation Connectivity Forum

Natalia Rosa, Kojo Bentum-Williams, Tim Harris

AviaDev 2025 will assist Africa's tourism authorities to shape their destination's connectivity with the help of Natalia Rosa, Tourism Project Lead, SADC Tourism Business Council, Kojo Bentum-Williams, CEO, VoyagesAfriq and Tim Harris, Helm Growth Advisors to shape this programme.  

Listen to the latest AviaDev podcast and hear why the Cape Town Air Access initiative was created.

Decoding the African Hotel Investment Market

Wayne Godwin, co-CEO of JLL, Head, JLL Hotels & Hospitality

This podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the hospitality investment landscape in Africa.

Wayne discusses the significant surge in transaction activity, surpassing 2019 levels, and highlights the growing interest in leisure properties across the continent. Wayne explores the opportunities and challenges facing investors.