Hala Matar Choufany

Employment History

Hala Matar Choufany is the President for HVS Middle East and Africa and the Managing Partner of HVS Dubai.

In the last 15 years, Hala has worked on more than 850 hospitality projects, ranging from single to large scale mixed use developments and conducted numerous valuations, feasibility studies, operator search and contract negotiations, operational assessments, and general consultancy work in Europe, MEA and Asia.

Hala has in-depth expertise in regional hotel markets and a broad exposure to international markets and maintains excellent contacts with developers, owners, operators, investment institutions and government entities. Hala has completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School and has an MBA from ESSEC & Cornell.

Hala can be reached on [email protected].
 

Consulting Experience

In the last 15 years, Hala has worked on more than 850 hospitality projects, ranging from single to large scale mixed use developments and conducted numerous valuations, feasibility studies, operator search and contract negotiations, operational assessments, and general consultancy and advisory work.

Hala has worked in more than 75 cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Hala has in-depth expertise in regional hotel markets and a broad exposure to international markets and maintains excellent contacts with developers, owners, operators, investment institutions and government entities.

More detailed experience list is available on request.
 

Education

Harvard Business School, Executive Education, Boston, USA
Senior Leadership
Dec 2017- May 2018

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, MRICS
Dec 2012

Joint Program of Essec Business School, Paris, and Cornell University, USA
MBA in International Hospitality Management
1999-2001

NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY
BA in Hospitality Management (1999)
Louaizy, Lebanon

Affiliations

HVS Board Member 2016- Current

Borad Member- Harvard Business School Club of the GCC- Current

Member of Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) 2016- Current

Advisory Board Member of the Hotel Association Conference (HOFTEL) 2015-2016

Advisory Board Member of the Serviced Apartments Summit 2015-Current

Advisory Board Member of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, 2010- Current

Chairman of the Best New Hotel Development Award, 2010

Speaking Engagements

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2017
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
"Alternative Investment Model"
Speaker

Interviews:
Hala Matar Choufany's insights on opportunities for hospitality investors
Operating using an alternative investment model - Hala Matar Choufany at AHIC
Hala Matar Choufany: Return on Investment vs Return on Ego in 2017


Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2016
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
“The Evolution of the Necessary Marriage”
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2016
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
“Getting the Most Out of Your Properties”
Speaker

MEED Qatar Projects Conference 2016
St Regis Hotel Doha
“Plans for growth and development of the tourism and hospitality”
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Bahrain Briefing 2016
ART Rotana, Amwaj Island
“Private Investor Perspective: Hotel Industry in Bahrain – Past, Present, and Future”
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Oman Briefing 2015
Ritz Carlton, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
“Looking at the Budget and Mid Market Sector in Oman”
Speaker

Oman Projects Forum 2015
Al Bustan Palace Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
“Future investment outlook for the Sultanate’s hospitality developments”
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Dubai
Madinat Jumeirah, May 2015
Mergers and Acquisitions in the GCC
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Jeddah Briefings
February 2015
A Focus on Jeddah – how is the market reacting to the new master plan for the city? How is the city repositioning itself as a destination and where does this open up opportunities for tourism investment? What will the challenges be for hotel investors and owners? Which segments are proving to be the most attractive?
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Oman Briefing
Ritz Carlton, November 2015
Looking at the Budget and Mid Market Sector in Oman
Speaker


Euromoney Conference, Cairo, Egypt
JW Hotel, September 2014
Investment Workshop, Tourism
Speaker

HVS YouTube - Hala Choufany, Regional Managing Director, HVS Dubai discusses issues and trends for the Middle Eastern hospitality industry at AHIC 2014 in Dubai

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Dubai
Madinat Jumeirah, May 2014
Right Investments, Monitoring Development Costs and Return on Investment
Speaker

Global Restaurant Investment Forum, Dubai
Conrad Hotel, March 2014
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT - When does it make sense to keep an outlet in-house as opposed to franchising, leasing, joint ventures or introducing third party operators? What are the benchmarks of successful relationships? How do you create the right mix of products, price points and experiences within a destination?
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Riyadh Briefing,
Ritz Carlton Hotel, February 2014
"Market update on Saudi Arabia - What has changed in the hospitality sector in last year? Where is the market heading? Where are the opportunities for investors into the tourism sector?"
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Muscat Briefing,
Al Bustan Hotel, November 2013
'Looking at the budget and mid-market sector in Oman, what kind of opportunity does this largely untapped segment hold for investors?'
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2013-
Madinat Jumierah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
"The importance of defining a vision, how does feasibility studies shape a vision"
Speaker

Essec Conference, April 2013
Investments- a Global Perscpective
Speaker

AHIC Briefing- Qatar, March 2013
Hilton, Doha
"Is the Hotel Market Sustainable in Doha"
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2012-
Madinat Jumierah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
"The plan before you build"- what are the necessary steps to ensure a successful mixed use development?
Speaker

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2011-
Madinat Jumierah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
"Asset and Brand Conversion and Aquisition"- is the MENA region mature enough to adopt such an approach?
Moderator

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2011-
Madinat Jumierah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
"Ask the Expert"- Risk of Oversupply in Qatar and ways to Mitigate Risks and Concerns
Expert/Speaker

Real Estate Lebanon 2010, Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut and Beyond, an unparelled insight into the country's hospitality industry and dynamics
Speaker

AHIC-2010, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
THe Arabian Hotel Investment Conference
A Focus on the Levant- Regional dynamics, growth and expansions possibilities in the Levant. Keys to succeeding in the region.
Speaker

Citiscape 2008- World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hotel & Tourism Investment & Development
Speaker

Honors Received

Selected as "One of the 35 most Influential Women in the Industry" by Hospitality News Middle East, October 2013

Intentional Society of Hospitality Consultants Award (2000, Budapest)

Press Coverage

Youtube links:

AHIC 2017
Opportunities for Middle East Hospitality Investors
Operating using an alternative investment model - Hala Matar Choufany at AHIC
Hala Matar Choufany: Return on Investment vs Return on Ego in 2017

AHIC 2016
https://youtu.be/Cn-jlRx_MG8
https://youtu.be/14wQI0HWLfE
https://youtu.be/tl_naVwdArI
https://youtu.be/6gs60m8rh4g
https://youtu.be/egRwPxIa6E8
https://youtu.be/EvUOezIecQ4


AHIC 2014:
https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PLiejX0uIv_x1Ofl_tZuc80EGHknhGrP07

Clients

3MY General Trading
Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Subeaei Holding Company
Abu Dhabi Investment House
Abukhamis Group
Abjar Hotels International
Action Group Holdings
Adex Contracting Maintenance & Operations
AFB Bank
A.K. Bakri & Sons
Al Anwar Holdings
Al Anwa Holding Co. for Investments
Alaqeeq Real Estate Development Co.
Al Bayan Group
Al Dar Al Khasa for Urban Development
Alfanar Company
Al Futtaim Group Real Estate
Alghanim Marine Co.
Al Ghurair Group
Alkhorayef Group
Almadina Real Estate Development

Al Mashriq Hotels and Tourism LLC
Al Rajhi Real Estate Investments
Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Co.
Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company "ARTIC"
Al Sharq Investment
Al Siddiqi International Group
Al Zorah Development Company
Amerimar Enterprises, Inc.
ANB Invest
Apex Enterprises
Aqua Properties
Aquiva Coöperatief U.A.
Askett Hank Developments
Audeh Enterprises Ltd SAL
Audi Bank Saudi Arabia
Bab Al-Mustaqbal Co.
Bahrain Marina
Bahrain Tourism Company
Bakheet
Barclays Bank
Barwa Real Estate
Bashoura Holdings
Bawabat Al Shamal Real Estate Company WLL
BC Group
BCD Company
BDL Management
Benaa Jeddah Development and Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd
Bright Start
Brilliant Role Group
Cayan Investment & Development
Cairo Real Estate & Touristic Investments
CIG Corporation
Claremont Group
Daajan Real Estate Investment and Construction Co. Ltd.
Daman Investments
Darusslaam Holdings Sendrian Berhad
Deloitte & Touche
Dohaland
DTZ
Dubai Pearl
Dubai Select
Dubai Real Estate Corporation
Elwan Group Limited
Elite Design & Engineering Consultancy
Emaar
Emaar Properties
Emirates Land Group
Enshaa PSC
EPG Hotels & Resorts
Essque Hotels and Resorts
European Bank for Reconstruction & Development
Europe Arab Bank
Fattal Holding
Fine Real Estate Investments
First Qatar Real Estate Development
Four Seasons
GILAF
GL International
Goodearth Hotels
Gulf East Trading and Contracting
Gulf Heights Investment Holdings
Gulf Real Estate Development House
Hampshire Hotels and Resorts
Hard Rock Hotels and Resorts
Hines
Horizon Holdings
Host Marriott Corporation
Hyatt Holdings UK Limited
Ibrahim and Mohamed Alzaben Company
IFA Hotels & Resorts
Inter Continental Hotels Group
International Hotels Establishment
International Management & Development
International Petroleum Investment Co.
Istithmar World
Jagal Group
Jnah Development SAL
Jupiter Asset Management Limited
Jubran Holding
Kaas Investment Group
Kerzner International
KHotel Bahrain
Kingdom Holdings
Kingdom Hotel Investments Group
Kuwait Financial Centre Markaz
Kuwait Finance House
La Capital, Inc.
La Reine
Lehman Brothers
Link Global Group
Magnolia Quality Development Corporation
Mahmood Saeed Collective Company
Majid Al Futtaim
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marafie Group
Marriott International
Mayaas Investment & Real Estate Co.
Middle East Development
Midrar Development Management
MIN Investments
Mubadala Development Company
Naas Springs Holding SAL
Nakheel Hotels
NAPCO Group of Companies
National Bank of Kuwait
National Trading and Developing Establishment
National Investor
Nobu Hospitality
Nuzul Holdings
Olayan Real Estate Company Limited
Olympiades Brussels Hotel SA
Omnix Group
Omniyat Property Development
ONYX Hospitality Singapore Private Limited
Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei
PLC Arabia
Premier Group WLL
Prime Consult
Profinance
PTW Architects
Qatar Foundation-Dohaland
Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company
QHC Architects and Engineers
Real Estate Services Group
ReeMoon Real Estate Development
Regency Group
Rimal Investment Projects LLC
Roll Post Limited
Rotana Hotel Management
Royal Bank of Scotland
Royal Monot SAL
Saleh Abdul Aziz Al- Rajhi & Partners Co. Ltd.
Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana
Samsung, Korea
Saudi BinLadin Group
Saudi Brothers Commercial Company
Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Akaria)
S.D.B Ltd.
Shanghai Arabian Electromechanical
Sheikh Selim Kheireddine
SHUAA Capital Saudi Arabia
SHUAA Partners
Sixth of October for Development & Investment Co.
Sobha Developers
Society Holeliere Internationale de Roissy SNC
Sokouk Holding
Sorouh
Standard Chartered Bank
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Studio Daniel Libeskind
St. Regis Cairo
Sundus Investment Projects LLC
Sunset Hotel Group
Taj Hotels and Resorts
Tamkeen Holding
Tasameem Project Management
Telopea Capital Partners
The Amman Institute for Urban Development
The Claridges Hotels & Resorts
The National Investor
The Raven Group
THR-International Tourism Consultants
Tiara Hotels and Resorts
Time Machine Group
Tourism Development & Investment Co.
Trans Orient Hotels
Triton Middle East
UBS
United Real Estate Company
Univest Group
Virtus Holding
Westmont Hospitality Group
Xenel Industries
Zaya
Zones Corp
Zoo and Aquarium Public Institute in Al Ain
Zubair Corporation

My Articles

2017 Middle East Hotel Survey – Chaos, Consolidation & Opportunity

The region continues to face distraught; dwindling economic conditions, changing demographics and source markets, and a saturation of luxury hotels pose an opportunity for developers to build mid-market.

• May 10, 2017 By Hala Matar Choufany , Aaron Laurie

2016 Middle East Hotel Survey

As a result of the historically low oil price, geopolitical instability and weak global economic recovery, the regional economic growth decelerated in 2015. Nonetheless, the MENA remains one of the fastest growing regions worldwide.

• May 2, 2016 By Hala Matar Choufany , Cristina A Zegrea

In Focus: Doha | Tracking Progress

Strong commitments to hosting the 2022 World Cup and targets established in the 2030 National Vision Plan have enabled Qatar’s tourism sector to witness double-digit growth during preceding years.

• September 8, 2015 By Hala Matar Choufany , Cristina A Zegrea

Middle East Hotel Survey 2015 Edition – Peak Assessments

A glimpse at the region inspires the question: are cities realizing peak performance in the travel and tourism industry, or do these cities still require a stretch in order to return to their former levels?

• June 18, 2015 By Hala Matar Choufany , Cristina A Zegrea

Market Pulse: Manama, Bahrain

Despite a troublesome couple of years, hotel market conditions in Manama appear to be recovering. This article provides an insight into Manama’s hotel market, its recent challenges and the outlook for the future.

• November 24, 2014 By Hala Matar Choufany , Amir Lababedi

In Focus: Muscat - Slowly but Surely

Driven by the country’s 2020 Vision, considerable growth in arrivals is projected in the years to come, leaving Oman in preparation to accommodate the increased demand by launching new hospitality developments.

• November 10, 2014 By Hala Matar Choufany , Cristina A Zegrea

Middle East Hotel Development Cost Trends

This report presents the trends in hotel development costs across key markets in the Middle East. It highlights the current development costs for different hotel classifications and discusses the various factors that affect changes in these costs.

• March 31, 2014 By Hala Matar Choufany , Yasin Munshi

• Hotel Investments & Ownership , Development & Construction , Valuations & Market Studies , Architecture & Interior Design

Doha In Focus Welcoming FIFA World Cup 2022

The 2022 World Cup commitments & the 2030 National Plan vision, Doha’s hospitality sector continues to undergo major transformation. The article provides an in-depth overview of Doha hotel market, incorporating a performance forecast up to 2016.

• November 4, 2013 By Hala Matar Choufany , Cristina A Zegrea

In Focus: Muscat

After reaching the milestone of 1 billion US$ generated revenue in 2012, Oman’s tourism sector has much to look forward to in the upcoming years, particularly with the development of major projects such as the Omagine,The Wave, Jebel Sifah and OCEC.

• October 1, 2013 By Hala Matar Choufany , Cristina A Zegrea

Here Comes Kurdistan!

The Kurdistan Region is a federated region in Northern Iraq consisting of three main governorates, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok.

• September 16, 2013 By Hala Matar Choufany , Amir Lababedi

• Valuations & Market Studies , Travel & Tourism , Economic Trends and Cycles

In Focus: Ras Al Khaimah

Strategically located within proximity of major routes between Asia and Europe, Ras Al Khaimah has witnessed rapidly accelerating economic growth during recent years, with the hospitality sector reaching new milestones year on year.

• August 21, 2013 By Hala Matar Choufany , Cristina A Zegrea

2013 Middle East Hotel Survey Maximum Supportable Investments

The 2013 Middle East Hotel Survey provides market aggregate, key performance indicators reinforcing the resilience of the region, moreover offering investors an indication of maximum supportable development costs when undertaking hotel investments.

• May 13, 2013 By Hala Matar Choufany , Rico Picenoni

• Development & Construction , Valuations & Market Studies , Travel & Tourism , Economic Trends and Cycles , Hotel Brands , Hotel Companies

Dubai Under the Microscope

Recent macroeconomic figures suggest a growth in GDP resulting in further strengthening of the country’s economy. The Dubai hotel market witnessed a significant increase in performance wherein some submarkets recorded double-digit RevPAR growth.

• May 6, 2013 By Hitesh J Gandhi , Hala Matar Choufany , Louis Abi Abboud

Cairo Sharm El Sheikh Before and After

Cairo Sharm El Sheikh, Before and After examines the episode between 2011 and 2012. The hospitality sector in Egypt endured the backlash and the repercussions of the infamously titled Arab Spring, with the hotel sector being one of the hardest hit.

• February 25, 2013 By Hala Matar Choufany , Rico Picenoni

• Hotel Operations , Travel & Tourism , Economic Trends and Cycles , Resorts

GCC 2012 A Region in Review

2012 was a year of change, from an economic, political and social perspective. Newly elected and re-elected leaders sought to reform and revive, while international visitation fluctuated as a result of the rehabilitation of certain destinations.

• January 21, 2013 By Hala Matar Choufany , Rico Picenoni

• Travel & Tourism , Economic Trends and Cycles