At the heart of Riyadh’s dynamic skyline, where tradition meets transformation, the Future Hospitality Summit 2025 unfolded with powerful narratives about the future of travel and tourism. Among the most compelling voices was that of Amir Gold, the Senior Vice President for Minor Hotels, overseeing the Middle East and Africa region.

Speaking candidly and passionately, Amir didn’t just reflect on the industry’s current state — he charted its future course.

A Workforce at a Crossroads

“Just got off the stage five minutes ago — probably the hottest topic of the decade: people, talent, and the workforce of the future,” Amir opened, moments after leaving the spotlight.

With global headlines often dominated by technological leaps and digital disruption, the hospitality industry’s real challenge remains rooted in its people. As Amir pointed out, the sector is facing a massive talent shortage, one that’s not just operational but philosophical.

“We’re slowly moving from Gen Z to Gen Alpha now. The big question is: how do we attract the next workforce?”

It’s not about filling vacancies — it’s about redefining what it means to work in hospitality. Today’s youth aren’t drawn to decades-long commitments or static roles. They seek purpose, autonomy, and creativity. They want careers that align with their values — and allow them to make an impact.

A Wake-Up Call to Innovate

Historically, the hospitality sector hasn’t been known for being on the bleeding edge of innovation. As Amir bluntly put it, “Hospitality has proven to be one of the least innovative industries in the world.”

But this, he insists, is changing — and must change faster.

The high-touch nature of hospitality, while a core strength, has also become a limiting belief. With AI and automation increasingly accessible, the back-end operations of hotels and resorts are ripe for disruption — not to eliminate jobs but to free up time for meaningful guest interaction.

“AI won’t replace the touchpoints — but it allows us to increase back-end efficiency,” Amir explained. “That way, staff can focus more on delivering memorable experiences, the very soul of hospitality.”

He believes this shift is vital to attract Gen Alpha. They don’t want to be robots. They want room to explore, innovate, and grow — and they want industries that empower them to do so.

Saudi Arabia: A Canvas for Change

One of the summit’s central themes was the rapid rise of Saudi Arabia as a global tourism powerhouse, and Amir was quick to highlight its momentum.

“Hospitality is still relatively new in Saudi Arabia, but it’s a national focus,” he said, referencing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 — an ambitious roadmap that seeks to diversify the economy, with tourism playing a pivotal role.

He noted that the target to make tourism 10% of GDP is more than achievable — not just because of investments or policies, but because hospitality is already embedded in Saudi culture.

“In their homes, with friends, with family — hospitality lives here. The challenge is to commercialize that without losing its soul,” he added.

From AlUla’s ancient wonders to the pristine coasts of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia boasts extraordinary destinations. But for Amir, the real potential lies in the circular economy that hospitality can build — one that uplifts local communities, supports artisans and suppliers, and creates long-term careers for Saudi nationals.

Public and Private: A Unified Vision

Governments around the world often struggle to recognize the broader impact of hospitality. Too often, it’s reduced to hotel beds and airport lounges. Amir challenges that perception.

“Hospitality builds economies and ecosystems,” he stated. “It touches everything — farmers, growers, construction, design, manufacturing. Once you understand that, you realize the power this industry can bring.”

He praised Saudi Arabia for embracing a public-private partnership model from the very beginning of its tourism expansion plans. The creation of an active Ministry of Tourism, one that works closely with businesses and investors, is what sets the Kingdom apart from others in the region — and beyond.

This model, Amir suggests, should be a template for nations worldwide that aim to transform their tourism sectors from seasonal attractions to year-round economic engines.

A Call to Purpose-Driven Leadership

The through-line in Amir’s vision isn’t technology or even geography — it’s purpose. Without it, the industry won’t survive the generational transition already underway.

“Hospitality is passion-driven,” he said. “When people feel they can be part of something meaningful, that’s when we start attracting the next generation.”

But purpose must start at the top. Leaders in the hospitality sector must be willing to rethink legacy systems, invest in talent development, embrace inclusivity, and align their business goals with societal value.

This isn’t just about attracting Gen Alpha — it’s about building a better, more human-centered industry for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Amir G.’s message at the Future Hospitality Summit 2025 wasn’t just for hoteliers or investors — it was for governments, educators, and global citizens. As the world evolves, the way we travel, work, and connect must evolve too. Hospitality, once seen as a support industry, is increasingly becoming a driver of change and economic resilience.

And if leaders take bold steps now — empowering people, embracing innovation, and building with purpose — the next generation won’t just work in hospitality.

They’ll reimagine it.

The post Hospitality’s Talent Crisis and Gen Alpha’s Role: Amir G. Discusses Innovation, AI, and Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Boom at Future Hospitality Summit 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.