Future Hospitality Summit Podcast

Hosted by Future Hospitality Investment Summit

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Episodes

183

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) podcast series. FHS is the world's most influential annual gathering of hotel owners, investors, hotel brands, restaurant leaders, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, consultants and government representatives. For more information, visit futurehospitality.com

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60 recent

June 1, 202631 min

Episode 142: Saudi Arabia Through the Eyes of Radisson Hotel Group

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Elie Milky, Vice President of Development Middle East, Cyprus, Greece & Pakistan at Radisson Hotel Group, shares why Saudi Arabia remains one of the most resilient and compelling hospitality markets in the region. Speaking amid a period of geopolitical turbulence, Elie discusses how Radisson Hotel Group views the current landscape through the lens of opportunity rather than uncertainty. He also explores the group's expansion strategy, its growing footprint across the Kingdom, and why Saudi Arabia continues to be a key market for Radisson's future growth.

May 25, 202627 min

Episode 141: Saudi Arabia's Tourism Transformation Through the Eyes of Rotana

In this episode of the FHS podcast, Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer, Rotana Hotels, shares Rotana's expansion strategy in the Kingdom. From expansion into secondary cities to bringing the world to Saudi Arabia with events like the Expo and the World Cup, Saudi Arabia is planning the next chapter of global hospitality, and Rotana is spearheading this transformation.

May 22, 202627 min

Episode 139: Designing the Hotels of the Future with Fouad Awan

In this episode, Fouad Awan, Partner & Managing Director, FSK & Partners, discusses the growing importance of ELV systems, building automation, and AI in modern hospitality development, and why these conversations need to happen from the earliest stages of a project. The discussion explores how technology infrastructure directly impacts guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value across hospitality projects in the Gulf, Africa, and Asia, while also touching on talent development, community impact, geopolitical pressures on business, and the role industry platforms like play in driving collaboration across the sector.

May 20, 202619 min

Episode 137: Bridging Capital Markets: China and the Future of Global Hospitality REITs

In this episode, we explore how global capital is being reshaped across hospitality and real estate, with a particular focus on the growing role of Chinese and Asian investors. From cross-border investment strategies to the development of REIT-style platforms in DIFC and ADGM, the conversation unpacks how firms like F.O.G Capital are working to bridge capital markets and unlock institutional investment.

May 20, 202620 min

Episode 136:The Hospitality Opportunity in Mixed-Use MICE Districts

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Ronald Philip, VP - Investment and Corporate Development, Corporate Strategy, Dubai World Trade Centre, discusses how these districts are driving year-round footfall, creating vibrant community hubs, and unlocking new revenue streams for developers and operators alike. From adaptive space planning to experiential guest offerings, this conversation highlights how the convergence of business and leisure is redefining the future of hospitality.

May 20, 202625 min

Episode 135: Repositioning Qatar: Strategy, Scale and Smart Hospitality

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, we explore Qatar's maturing hospitality market post-World Cup with Wael Al Sharif, Area General Manager at The Torch Hospitality Group, diving into the sector's current sentiment, the transition from event-driven demand to sustained growth amid supply surges, and strategic shifts for managing iconic assets. We discuss Torch's expansion plans in Qatar and the GCC, how it differentiates beyond architecture through sustainability and smart operations, and what will define success for operators over the next 3–5 years.

May 20, 202625 min

Episode 140: From Momentum to Maturity: Saudi Arabia's Next Hospitality Chapter

In this episode, David Thompson, from The First Group Hospitality, discusses the Kingdom's rapid transformation, evolving investor sentiment, the realities of delivering large-scale hospitality projects, and the opportunities emerging across both major and secondary destinations. The conversation also explores how operators and developers can create sustainable value in an increasingly competitive market, and why collaboration between capital, brands, and government vision will define the next chapter of Saudi hospitality.

May 19, 202622 min

Episode 138: The Attention Economy of Hospitality with Michael Cirino

In this episode of FHS Podcast, we talk about the attention economy of hospitality; it's no longer enough to build beautiful spaces. The real challenge is creating moments that capture attention, spark emotion, and stay with people long after they leave. Joining us is Michael Cirino, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of House of Attention, an award-winning creative studio redefining what hospitality experiences can be. With over two decades of work at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and physical space, Michael has built immersive concepts that blur the lines between dining, entertainment, art, and brand.

February 27, 20269 min

Episode 134: The Art of Investing in Hospitality

Hospitality has evolved from a cyclical alternative into a stable, institutionalized asset class. In this FHS Podcast, Varun Kapur of Kapur and Partners breaks down where global capital is moving. Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead the Way: High government stability and massive infrastructure investment, such as AlUla, make this the hottest market globally. New freehold rules in Saudi Arabia are further accelerating FDI. While Tier-1 cities like London and Paris remain strong, smart money is moving into up-and-coming European hubs like Prague and Milan, alongside the booming domestic tourism market in India.

February 24, 202616 min

Episode 133: Across Borders: Radisson's Development Strategy

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Elie Milky, Chief Development Officer for the Middle East, Northeast Africa, Cyprus, and Greece at Radisson Hotel Group, talks about his journey with the company and how his role has evolved alongside Radisson's transformation over the years. He shares insights into the group's strategic shift toward more agile and diversified growth across his regions, explaining how market priorities differ and where investor sentiment remains strongest today.