In this episode of HNtv Insiders, Emma Banks, VP F&B Strategy & Development EMEA at Hilton talks with Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder at Gates Hospitality, about the past 18 months in business and the revival of the F&B industry post-pandemic... as a preview and scene-setter for their session on this topic at the 17th edition of the Arabian & African Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai live in person from 20-22 September 2021.

Not a pair to shy away from the truth, they admit it has been a brutal period, both professionally and personally, and emphasise the need for strong, directional leaders that are also empathetic and human. The duo barely pause for breath as they recall the damage control of the past 18 months, revealing the innovations that kept their businesses afloat and the adaptations they had to make.

Looking forward, they chew over the double-edged sword that is technology, grateful for the new physical-virtual hybrid model of doing business, yet anxious not to lose the magic and soul of hospitality.

With the culinary sector playing an increasingly strategic role in the vision for tourism in the Middle East, the mind set of these leaders is that the industry is now ready to move on, spend some money and have some fun at the same time. Stay tuned to the end, and Banks and Maadad even let slip where they most like to dine!

Emma Banks, VP F&B Strategy & Development EMEA at Hilton - https://www.hospitalitynet.org/author/148004821/emma-banks.html - @ladybanks_ - @tasteofhilton

Naim Maadad, Chief Executive & Founder at Gates Hospitality - https://www.hospitalitynet.org/author/148004820/naim-maadad.html - @naim.maadad - @gateshospitality

AHIC - Arabian & African Hospitality Investment Conference (AHIC) - https://www.ahic.com/

#hospitalitynet #ahicdubai #hospitality #sustaintainablehotels

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