Annual Hospitality Forum (AHF) 2018
The Annual Hospitality Forum, organized by Hospitality News ME in collaboration with Hodema Consulting Services, took place during the 25th anniversary of HORECA Lebanon 2018. This key event provided a valuable opportunity for the industry to come together and highlight the pertinent issues of the day. Here’s a snapshot of what was discussed
There is no shortage of hotels in Lebanon. However, these remain limited in their offering compared to guesthouses, where visitors can spend their entire time engaged, rather than enter only to exit hours later. Khalil Arab, Owner, Palm Beach Hotel and Al Yasmine Guesthouse
Our management company runs a number of guesthouses and we ensure that new entrants to the industry are offered added value in terms of services, so as to gain an edge in this niche segment that is rapidly growing. Sarah Berjaoui, Owner, Ouda w Dar
The shift in the political situation starting November 2017 saw Iranians, Iraqis, Kuwaitis, Egyptians and Turks considering Lebanon as a holiday destination; a shift I believe to be a healthy one. Dagmar Symes, General Manager, Phoenicia Hotel Beirut and Le Vendome Beirut
Taking into consideration the difficult economic situation, we had to make concessions to maintain high occupancy and ensure continued partnerships with the companies we deal with. Georges Ojeil, General Manager, Le Gray, Beirut
Guesthouses help us shine a light on some of the country’s beautiful locations that have gone unnoticed for far too long. Ramzi Salman, Owner, Bkerzay
My aim is to support the various aspects of local identity, by offering a complete service comprising the location, produce, cuisine, architecture, and arts and crafts, for a truly allencompassing experience. Kamal Mouzawak, Founder Souk el Tayeb, Tawlet, Beit Network
After a 25 year stint outside Lebanon, I returned to Sour and renovated an old house, because I wanted to help highlight the city as a touristic destination that has more than white sandy beaches to offer. Philippe Tabet, Owner, Dar Alma and Dar Camelia
We are extending the guesthouse experience by using the space we have to feature artwork and in so doing, lending the experience a more home-away-from-home feeling. Nabil Debs, Owner, Arts Club