With over three decades of hospitality experience, Peter Katusak-Huzsvar has held pivotal roles in renowned hotels across the world. As GM of Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, he talks about Jeddah’s hospitality scene and what’s planned at the luxury property.  What attracted you to the role of general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah? I am honored to have joined as the general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah. Moreover, the unique blend of tradition, elegance and luxury that The Ritz-Carlton brand embodies drew me to this role and property. Furthermore, being part of a team dedicated to c ..read more

Eve Saade Khawaja, partner of Kebbet Zamen, shares how her deep-rooted culinary passion and family heritage fueled the restaurant’s opening. What can you tell us about the inspiration behind Kebbet Zamen? Kebbet Zamen, an authentic Lebanese bistro, beautifully captures the essence of both Zgharta and Beirut through its flavors and culinary techniques. Transitioning from Zgharta’s traditional cuisine, famed for Kebbeh, to Beirut’s cultural mix, Kebbet Zamen began its journey two decades ago. Today, nestled in Achrafieh, this convivial bistro serves as the pride of a Lebanese-Zghortiote famil ..read more

In a city known for its epic nightlife, Beirut boasts a handful of standout entrepreneurs who have made it in the scene. We get to know a few of them and how they have succeeded in this tough business. According to Yasmina Yared, founder and managing partner of Pisco, the thing that is helping nightlife businesses to grow is that the Lebanese know how to party and there is demand, so owners need to be flexible and consistent. The key to success It is important for nightlife venues to have a clear concept and strong brand value. Nassim Ramy, co-owner of Ramy Holding and partner of La ..read more

Built in 1943 by King Abdulaziz for his son, Crown Prince Saud, The Red Palace holds significant historical importance in Saudi Arabia. Located in Al-Futah, it marked Riyadh’s first reinforced concrete structure, a milestone in the kingdom’s architectural history. Furthermore, throughout its illustrious past, The Red Palace hosted international receptions and royal banquets. Moreover, later, it served as the Council of Ministers’ headquarters for over three decades. It also housed the Court of Grievances until 2002. Recently, Boutique Group acquired The Red Palace, reaffirming its dedicatio ..read more

The guesthouse scene in Lebanon is poised for innovation and growth as travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences. We take a closer look at the market, identifying the trends shaping its future. The president of Diyafa and the president of the new Syndicate of Lebanese guesthouses, Ramzi Salman, announced the launch of a website that will consolidate all the guesthouses in Lebanon, providing full details of the properties with a link for reservations, thus placing the homes in the spotlight. Challenges According to Philippe Tabet, who owns Dar Alma and Dar Camelia in Tyre, t ..read more

Gabriela Chamorro, founder of Girl and the Goose, is a Nicaraguan chef known for crafting contemporary Central American dining experiences. In this exclusive interview, the talented chef talks about her flair for food.  Your culinary journey is deeply rooted in your Nicaraguan heritage. What distinguishes Nicaraguan cuisine from any other?  My culinary passion is rooted in reimagining Nicaraguan staples, which are also found across Central America, with an innovative twist. Inspired by my global travels, I infuse traditional recipes with contemporary flavors, resulting in a unique ..read more

Regarded as one of the world’s richest cuisines, Lebanese food is steeped in history and tradition. We take a look at how leading restaurateurs in Lebanon are keeping Lebanese cuisine in the spotlight and ensuring their traditional Lebanese restaurants remain relevant. Restaurant market and trends Traditions, authenticity, quality, consistency and passion are the main pillars for a Lebanese restaurant to succeed, according to Christian Ghosn, CEO and managing partner of Abd El Wahab, Ahwak and Denye Hek. Indeed, Lebanese customers are sophisticated and have high standards, hence th ..read more

Stepping into the vibrant tapestry of Lebanon’s F&B scene, innovation and adaptation redefine culinary landscapes amid a backdrop of shifting trends and challenges. Witnessing a surge of new openings, Lebanon’s Syndicate of Restaurants, Night Clubs, Cafes and Pastries has voiced concern over ventures lacking vision. Here, we learn more about the country’s F&B scene and what’s trending. New openings While there is room for serious newcomers to the Lebanese F&B sector, they generally need to be smaller in size but with a strong concept and brand identity. According to Alfr ..read more

So far, 2024 has been a difficult year for Lebanon’s hospitality sector. Since October 2023, political strife in the region has greatly affected tourism. We take a closer look at the market, the challenges facing hotels and what summer 2024 is likely to have in store. In an unstable market such as Lebanon’s, hotels must be ready to react to all kinds of crises. According to Sherine Salha, shareholder of Phoenicia Hotel Beirut, challenges have intensified due to the lack of credit facilities to renovate, expand and innovate. She said: “It is hard to stay ahead of the game, especiall ..read more

In today’s global tourism landscape, gastronomy plays a pivotal role in attracting travelers and shaping destination experiences. Natalia Bayona, UN Tourism executive director, explores objectives of the UN Global Gastronomy Tourism Competition, encouraging Middle Eastern startups’ participation. To what extent are gastronomy and tourism related? The link between gastronomy and tourism is deeply rooted, with gastronomic tourism moving people worldwide. However, what we don’t often consider is the link between tourism and gastronomy with innovation. Moreover, innovating in gastronomy is ..read more