Future Hospitality Summit Comes to a Close After Hugely Successful 2-Day Hybrid Virtual Conference

Future Hospitality Summit (FHS)– the hybrid virtual conference developed to explore big ideas and tackle the challenges facing the hospitality industry – finished up the second and final day of its comprehensive 3-pillar programme yesterday, which included live stage sessions, networking, and roundtable discussions. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and G20 Saudi Secretariat, as part of The International Conferences Programme, honouring the G20 Saudi presidency year 2020, and powered by Bench Digital – Day 2 of FHSpicked up where the opening day left off, as more than 6,500 hospitality industry professionals from 140 countries across the globe were welcomed back.

Industry captains, government leaders, media powerhouses, and innovators all came together once again to focus on understanding the new hospitality landscape, collaborating and assessing opportunities, and innovating to recreate the industry’ future. After Yasir Alsaggaf (MC, Future Hospitality Summit) officially kicked off Day 2, H.E. Khalid al-Falih (Minister of Investment, Saudi Arabia) joined CNN’s John Defterios for a one-on-one discussion, during which he offered his insights and expertise on what it takes to attract new investments in the tourism industry.

Speaking about Saudi Arabia’s immense potential to become one of the world’s most popular hospitality and tourism destinations over the coming decade, H.E. Khalid al-Falih (Minister of Investment, Saudi Arabia) said, “We recognise that while we can offer tourists beautiful beaches and scenery, along with exciting urban developments, here in Saudi Arabia, they are looking for more. They are also looking for experiences, for culture, and to witness history as it unfolds, which is exactly what we can provide.”

He continued, “The Kingdom has a rich heritage that is still undiscovered. Saudi Arabia has been hosting pilgrims and Umrah visitors since our country’s establishment, but Makkah and Medina themselves have been doing that for more than 14,000 years. We are set to significantly upgrade the Umrah experience for people, while increasing the numbers of Umrah visitors from 8 million to 30 million per year over the coming years. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s airport capacities will grow to accommodate 100 million passengers per year by 2030, alongside the development of major projects and opportunities for the private sector and investors.”

DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS

One-On-One with CNN’s John Defterios 

• H.E. Khalid al-Falih (Minister of Investment, Saudi Arabia) will join John Defterios (Business' Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor at CNN) to discuss what it takes to attract new investments in the tourism industry.

Does Planning for the Next 5 years Make Sense in a Time of Crisis?

• Special Guest Speakers: Federico J. González (CEO, Radisson Hotel Group) and Cyril Ranque (President of Travel Partners Group, Expedia Group)

Moderator: John Defterios (Business' Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor at CNN)

The Role of Innovation and Disruption for the Future of Tourism

• Special Guest Speaker: Terry Jones(Founder, Travelocity.com,and Founding Chairman, Kayak.com)

Red Sea Development

• John Pagano (CEO of the Red Sea Development Company) joins Jonathan Worsley (Chairman, Bench Events) to give the latest progress updates on Saudi Arabia’s flagship tourism project, and speaks on the importance of regenerating the destination.