The MEA hospitality sector is shifting toward diversified, leisure-led, and ESG-driven investments. AI and digital tools enhance forecasting, asset management, and valuation, but human expertise remains crucial. Sustainability is now integral in design, operations, and governance. Success hinges on adaptive, experience-focused offerings, stakeholder collaboration, and leadership that balances analytics with empathy to drive profitable, purposeful, and resilient growth.
HVS MEA has appointed Bhavna Bhatia as Partner – Executive Search, recognising her two decades of shaping senior talent across MEA and India. Known for her strategic insight, sound judgement, and calm handling of high-stakes mandates, she has been central to strengthening the firm’s leadership advisory. Her promotion reflects her impact, expertise, and strong client relationships.
Hala Matar Choufany explores with Shaikha Al Nowais how tourism can create impact, uncovering her experiences, values, and vision for the industry.
Today’s travelers are prioritizing their health and wellbeing more than ever before, triggering the rapid development worldwide of dedicated resorts and driving mainstream hotels to expand their facilities. Hala Matar Choufany, president of HVS Middle East Africa, drills down into the numbers and explains why health-related resorts offer significant potential for regional developers.
Choosing the right hotel operating model (franchise, management agreement, or third-party operator) depends on owner goals, market conditions, and property characteristics. Franchises offer brand support but require strict standards. Management agreements, common in the Middle East, balance risk and reward. Third-party operators provide flexibility and cost efficiency. Owners must evaluate options to maximize returns as market dynamics shift.
Our views around the world reflect early optimism for 2025, with the anticipation of stronger transaction activity and modestly improving hotel metrics in most regions.
The Middle East's luxury hotel market is expanding, fueled by economic diversification and a growing population of high-net-worth individuals. Key destinations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are experiencing significant development in luxury accommodations. However, potential oversupply in major cities could affect room rates and occupancy. The outlook remains positive, supported by continued investment in unique, high-end experiences.
The GCC region presents significant opportunities for hotel investment, driven by rapid supply growth and evolving market trends. However, challenges such as valuation mismatches, rising costs, and operational inefficiencies highlight the need for strategic approaches. Key considerations include aligning development costs with market realities, adopting modern valuation metrics, and leveraging diversified revenue streams to enhance profitability and sustain long-term growth.
Hala Matar Choufany shares her insights on Bloomberg Alsharq with Maya Hojeij, discussing key drivers behind the region's impressive visitation growth and tourism expansion.
In this interview, Hala Matar Choufany discusses with Hospitality News Middle East and Rita Ghantous the new service lines offered by HVS Middle East & Africa, along with insights into the market outlook, emerging trends, and regional sentiment impacting the hospitality industry.