At the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2024 in Dubai, Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Africa, and Middle East, Hyatt Hotel Corporation, outlined the company’s dynamic expansion plans, particularly in the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. As one of the leading global hotel brands, Hyatt is focused on expanding its luxury, upscale, and midscale offerings, while also staying committed to sustainable development and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Hyatt’s participation at FHS 2024 signals the brand’s dedication to embracing the future of hospitality. In an exclusive interview, Black-Roberts emphasized Hyatt’s ongoing efforts to grow in key regions, such as Saudi Arabia, which is experiencing rapid growth due to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. She also shed light on Hyatt’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) strategies, as well as their cutting-edge approach to sustainability.

Expanding Hyatt’s Footprint in the Middle East and Beyond

Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Africa, and Middle East, Hyatt Hotel Corporation noted that Hyatt’s recent focus has been on expanding across Western Europe and, more recently, into the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia and North Africa. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into a major global tourism destination, and Hyatt is committed to playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The company has already established a local presence by opening an office in Saudi Arabia and deploying Steven Anel, a Hyatt veteran with significant experience in the region, to lead development efforts.

As part of their expansion strategy, Hyatt is working closely with both public and private sectors to introduce a range of Hyatt brands into Saudi Arabia. This includes new leisure hotels, which align with the country’s increasing focus on tourism and hospitality, particularly in locations like Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Red Sea coastline.

In Europe, Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Africa, and Middle East, Hyatt Hotel Corporation explained that while the region remains a key focus, growth in MICE hotels has been challenging due to high construction costs and lower returns in certain markets. Despite these challenges, Hyatt is continuing to seek opportunities for expansion where feasible, focusing on upscale, upper-midscale, and luxury properties.

MICE and Business Travel Focus

Hyatt has long been known for its expertise in handling large MICE events and is continually looking for ways to strengthen its presence in this sector. Black-Roberts emphasized that the brand’s sales teams and reputation have helped position Hyatt as a leading player in the business travel and MICE industry.

However, she noted that growth in this sector is increasingly challenging in Europe due to the high construction costs of large hotels, which reduce potential returns for developers. In contrast, the Middle East remains a region where MICE growth is more feasible, given the region’s robust construction sector and lower costs. As a result, Hyatt is actively expanding its MICE offerings in Saudi Arabia, where the demand for large-scale conference and meeting venues is expected to rise in the coming years.

Sustainability at Hyatt: Innovative Solutions for a Greener Future

Sustainability is at the core of Hyatt’s business philosophy. Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Africa, and Middle East, Hyatt Hotel Corporation emphasized that Hyatt’s long-standing mantra, “We care for people so they can be their best,” extends to both guests and the environment. Hyatt is deeply committed to sustainable practices, and the company has implemented several innovative programs to reduce its environmental impact.

One of the standout sustainability programs Hyatt is using involves AI-powered waste management systems. Black-Roberts described how video cameras have been installed on waste bins to monitor and quantify food waste, allowing executive chefs and hotel teams to track and reduce waste. This technology not only supports sustainability goals but also positively impacts the hotel’s operational efficiency and bottom line.

In addition to reducing food waste, Hyatt has focused on using technology to optimize energy consumption, reduce the use of single-use plastics, and explore sustainable building materials in new developments. The company is continuously looking for ways to integrate green energy solutions, such as solar panels, into its properties.

Hyatt also places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, aiming to nurture talent from within its organization. The brand’s CSR initiatives go hand-in-hand with its sustainability goals, as they seek to make positive contributions to the communities in which they operate.

Saudi Arabia: Hyatt’s Role in Vision 2030

Hyatt has fully committed itself to the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the country’s economy and grow its tourism industry. Black-Roberts highlighted Hyatt’s deep engagement with the Saudi market, where the company has more than 1,000 employees across various hotels. The company is also working closely with government agencies and private developers to bring a range of Hyatt brands into the country.

Hyatt’s Saudi office is tasked with managing the company’s strategic growth in the Kingdom, including new hotel developments that cater to both domestic and international travelers. The country’s ambitious 2030 goals align perfectly with Hyatt’s vision to introduce a variety of hotel offerings, from luxury to midscale, to the Saudi market.

Conclusion

As Hyatt continues to grow globally, its participation in the Future Hospitality Summit 2024 reaffirms its commitment to embracing the future of hospitality. The company’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and people-first philosophy positions it as a leader in the industry.

With expansion plans across Saudi Arabia, Western Europe, and North Africa, Hyatt is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of hospitality in these regions. Black-Roberts’ insights into Hyatt’s MICE growth, sustainability efforts, and commitment to Vision 2030 demonstrate the brand’s unwavering focus on both profitability and social responsibility.

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2024, held in Dubai, brought together global leaders, investors, and innovators in the hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors. The event is a premier platform for discussing the future of hospitality, showcasing cutting-edge innovations, and exploring new investment opportunities in key regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

With more than 1,600 attendees representing 500 companies from 60+ countries, FHS 2024 facilitated meaningful dialogue on topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and tourism growth. Key discussions at this year’s summit included the growing demand for tourism in Saudi Arabia under its Vision 2030 initiative, the expansion of branded hotels in Africa, and the increasing interest in Central Asia as a tourism destination.

The summit provided a valuable opportunity for companies like Hyatt, Rotana, and TUI BLUE to announce their strategic growth plans, highlight sustainability initiatives, and forge new partnerships with developers and investors. FHS 2024 continues to be an essential event for industry professionals looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving hospitality industry.

Hyatt Hotel Corporation is a leading global hospitality company known for delivering high-quality experiences across its diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and residences. Founded in 1957, Hyatt has grown to operate over 1,100 properties across more than 70 countries, offering luxury, upscale, and lifestyle brands that cater to a broad range of travelers.

Hyatt’s brands include iconic names such as Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Place, and Hyatt Centric, among others. The company’s commitment to providing personalized, authentic experiences is at the heart of its success. Hyatt emphasizes a people-first philosophy, encapsulated in its mantra, “We care for people so they can be their best.”

In addition to its focus on luxury and service, Hyatt is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The company integrates eco-friendly practices into its operations, leveraging technology to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote sustainable tourism. Hyatt’s sustainability initiatives include reducing food waste with AI-powered systems, eliminating single-use plastics, and incorporating renewable energy sources across its properties.

Hyatt continues to expand its global footprint, focusing on key regions such as Saudi Arabia, Europe, and North Africa, while enhancing its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) offerings. With its forward-thinking approach, Hyatt remains a leader in the evolving global hospitality landscape.

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