27-29 OCT 2025
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Industry news
FHS World 2025 Advisory Board Recap: Trends, Challenges, and Event Vision
The recent Advisory Board meeting for the Future Hospitality Summit - FHS World 2025 offered a treasure trove of insights, recommendations, and strategic ideas aimed at shaping the upcoming event into an industry-defining gathering.
The meeting brought together esteemed industry leaders, including hospitality management leaders, investors, operators, and developers, at the stunning Tagomago in Dubai. A special thanks to RIKAS Hospitality for graciously hosting us for this productive day. The discussions transitioned into a relaxed and breezy evening, where attendees enjoyed networking in a laid-back atmosphere.
Here's a look at the key insights and takeaways shared by the board:
Philip Wooller, Area Director - Middle East and Africa for STR provided an insightful snapshot of the industry's performance:
The Advisory Board shared their insights and recommendations, reflecting on the industry's current performance and future trajectory.
Their suggestions focused on optimising key features, such as the newly introduced Arena Exhibition, which debuted in 2024, and enhancing the impact of the Investor Lounge. They also emphasised boosting investor engagement through exclusive, year-round events tailored for investors.
The 2025 summit aims to draw a more diverse international audience while honouring its remarkable 20-year legacy in the UAE.
A recurring suggestion was a closed-door forum for hotel owners to discuss challenges and best practices. Topics like negotiating with operators, managing construction costs, and maximizing ROI are in high demand. Attendees also highlighted the importance of follow-up sessions with operators to foster dialogue.
AI's transformative potential was a hot topic. Industry leaders expressed concern over lagging adoption:
The need for data-driven decision-making in F&B concept development was evident, with calls for:
With emerging markets like India, China, and Africa driving new travel behaviours, there’s a need to understand evolving guest profiles better. Advisory board members suggested:
The conversation around sustainability has shifted from marketing buzzwords to measurable impact. Suggestions included:
With rising interest in co-living, branded residences, and purpose-built student accommodation, there was a strong call for:
A live poll run during the Advisory Board meeting revealed attendee aspirations:
The advisory board meeting underscored a collective ambition to make FHS World 2025 a landmark event. By addressing industry pain points, celebrating innovation, and fostering authentic conversations, the 20th-anniversary edition is set to elevate the global hospitality investment conversation.