Hospitality News
Panda Holds PACE with Suppliers to Tackle Global Inflation
Panda Retail Company held its first annual event for suppliers: “PACE” (Panda Annual Collaborative Event), at The Venue Jeddah Corniche Hotel. PACE focused on empowering people to live a better life, discussing the local and international impacts of inflation, and finding solutions to ensure consumers are protected from the worst inflationary effects.
Inflation and food security
The CEO of Panda Retail Company, Dr. Bander Talaat Hamooh, confirmed the importance of establishing the “PACE” event, which comes as an extension of the support provided by wise leadership to find practical solutions and facilitate better customer experience in the retail sector. Dr. Hamooh was grateful for the submission of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman, for a number of initiatives that contribute to reducing the effects of inflation on consumers in the Kingdom.
He added that Panda played a strong part in the “Ma tegla alik” campaign launched by the Federation of Saudi Chambers in collaborative with the Chambers of Commerce to provide basic food commodities at reduced prices, including over 40 basic items such as chicken, eggs, rice, milk, oils, meat, and others.
Hamooh said “as an extension of government initiatives, Panda Retail Company launched an innovative campaign entitled “Thabatn’aha”, to reduce and fix the prices of more than 300 commodities in all its branches around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, assisting families in an economical consumer experience, in addition to providing solutions that ensure a more efficient shopping experience.”
He added, “The company is working with its strategic suppliers for practical solutions to absorb the effects of global inflation on customers so that they do not feel its repercussions and effects, which confirms its national duty, based on being the leading and most widespread chain of stores in the Kingdom.”
Supporting local industries
Among the main topics discussed at the “PACE” event was the importance of supporting national industries to strengthen the Saudi national economy. Panda Retail Company was keen to support the “Made in Saudi Arabia” program launched by His Highness the Crown Prince in March 2021, which is a national initiative affiliated with the Saudi Export Development Authority, and emanating from the National Industry Development and Logistics program (NIDLP). The program aims to stimulate national industries, encourage consumers to buy local commodities and develop the Kingdom’s exports to global markets.
Panda is one of the Kingdom’s large retail stores that dedicated branches and e-commerce to display national commodities conforming to the “Saudi Made” identity in order to increase the pride and loyalty levels by directing the purchasing power toward them through the “Made in Saudi Arabia” program, and through the marketing and promotional efforts that succeeded in increasing the value and status of national products in local markets.
Panda plays an important role in empowering people to live a better life, in line with the objectives of the “Quality of Life” program, one of the most important programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 which Panda has been proactively supporting since its launch by facilitating points of sales for SMEs to market their products in all its branches in the Kingdom.
Digitization and customer experience
The “PACE” event demonstrated Panda Company’s efforts in implementing a number of projects in the “Reformulating the Concept of Shopping” program, to keep pace with the world’s accelerated digital transformation in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which will reflect positively on sustainable development and create a competitive climate for customers’ best interests.
Panda now has highly innovative efficiency in improving customer experience, whether through the design of its branches spread across the Kingdom or through a digital entertainment shopping industry. This has resulted in massive transformation of rapid and unprecedented technological innovation and has been reflected in customer interaction providing distinctive shopping experiences as well as an improvement in customer purchasing habits.
By organizing the “PACE” event, Panda strengthened its role in redefining the retail customer experience, which contributes to achieving its vision of sustainable leadership in the retail market based on a creative approach to gaining customers’ trust, as well as sharing its positive view on the national economy.
Hospitality
Al Bustan Centre & Residence concludes successful participation at Arabian Travel Market 2026
Al Bustan Centre & Residence concluded a successful participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, where it connected with travel industry partners and explored new business opportunities across the GCC, Europe, CIS, Asia and other international markets.
During the exhibition, the established Dubai hotel apartment property held productive discussions with tour operators, destination management companies, travel agencies, corporate travel partners and international buyers. The meetings focused on building long-term partnerships that can generate sustainable, year-round business.

The property also highlighted the growing demand for accommodation that combines hotel services with the comfort, space and flexibility of a home. This trend is creating new opportunities across corporate accommodation, relocation, extended stays, family travel and group business.
Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer of Al Bustan Centre & Residence, said the positive response received during ATM reflected the travel industry’s continued confidence in Dubai as a global destination for tourism, business and long-term living.
“Our participation at Arabian Travel Market was highly productive and gave us an important opportunity to reconnect with existing partners while meeting new buyers and travel professionals from several international markets,” El Hayek said.
“Dubai continues to demonstrate that tourism growth is not only about increasing visitor numbers; it is about building a complete destination where people can visit, work, live and return. For hotel apartments such as Al Bustan Centre & Residence, that creates a strong opportunity to serve the evolving needs of today’s traveller.”
Dubai’s combination of tourism, business, lifestyle and residential opportunities has created a broad hospitality ecosystem. Travellers may initially visit for a holiday, meeting or event before returning for work, investment, relocation or a longer stay.
Al Bustan Centre & Residence differentiates itself by providing spacious accommodation, flexible short- and long-stay options, convenient connectivity and facilities that support guests’ everyday needs. The property continues to modernise and adapt its services in response to changing expectations.
Technology and sustainability were also central to the property’s discussions at ATM. Al Bustan believes digital solutions should simplify the guest experience and improve operational efficiency while preserving the personal service at the heart of hospitality.
The property recently received the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp 2025 – Hotel Apartment Standard, awarded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to responsible hospitality, supported by its long-standing collaboration with Emirates Environmental Group and participation in environmental initiatives.
“Sustainability must become part of everyday hotel operations rather than simply being treated as a marketing initiative,” El Hayek added.
Following ATM 2026, Al Bustan Centre & Residence will continue discussions with potential partners while strengthening its presence across traditional and emerging source markets.
“We look forward to building on the conversations held at ATM and developing practical, long-term collaborations that create value for our partners and support Dubai’s continued tourism growth,” El Hayek concluded.
Hospitality
Minor Hotels Signs Avani+ Hanoi in the Vietnamese Capital
Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has signed a management agreement with Trading Construction Works Organization to operate Avani+ Hanoi, a 310-key hotel in Hanoi’s Bach Mai Ward.
Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel forms part of a mixed-use precinct anchored by Hinode City, a new lifestyle mall, alongside 1,099 residential and serviced apartments. Located at the intersection of Minh Khai and Kim Nguu Street, the development benefits from a vibrant neighbourhood and convenient transportation links with the city’s Old Quarter a 10-minute drive away.
Avani+ Hanoi marks a continuation of Minor Hotels’ growth in Vietnam, where the group operates four properties under its Anantara and Avani brands – Anantara Hoi An Resort, Anantara Mui Ne Resort, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas and Avani Quy Nhon Resort – along with luxury train carriages, The Vietage by Anantarav. The signing extends the group’s footprint into one of Vietnam’s key metropolitan areas and establishes its first property in the nation’s capital of Hanoi.
The premium lifestyle hotel will bring the Avani brand’s distinctive design and energy to the city, with facilities including an indoor swimming pool and deck, a fitness centre, all-day dining and specialty restaurants along with meeting and function spaces. Avani+ Hanoi’s central location caters to corporate travellers, long-stay and leisure guests.
Avani+ Hanoi and the broader Hinode City mixed-use development are among the latest projects of the Trading Construction Works Organization, a diversified corporation with a presence across real estate, industrial manufacturing and energy sectors.
“This is our first branded hotel in a major Vietnamese city, and the central Bach Mai Ward is the right place to start. Avani+ Hanoi’s prime location gives us a genuine hub in the capital, with strong appeal to both business and leisure travellers seeking a wellconnected urban base.”
Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, Minor Hotels
“This agreement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with Minor Hotels and reflects our shared vision of bringing international hospitality standards to Hinode City. We are confident that Avani+ Hanoi Hotel will set a new benchmark for premium hospitality in Hanoi while creating lasting value for guests, investors and the wider community.”
Vo Toan Cong, Chairman of Gerbera-II Hospitality One Member Company Limited, a subsidiary of Trading Construction Works Organization.
Hospitality
FUTURE HOSPITALITY SUMMIT HONOURS VISIONARY LEADERSHIP IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World today announced the winners of this year’s FHS Awards, presented to exceptional leaders and visionaries in hospitality and tourism at FHS World, taking place from 29 September – 1 October at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
Representing unparalleled leadership, vision, achievement, excellence and innovation, the accolades will be presented by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman Dubai Holding, Dubai Airports, Emirates Group; President, DCAA, and patron of Future Hospitality Summit, at the FHS Awards ceremony on Tuesday, 29 September.
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, receives the FHS Leadership Award, recognising his leadership in advancing the UAE’s economic diversification and elevating tourism and hospitality as strategic pillars of national growth, investment and global competitiveness.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, is awarded the FHS Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long, extraordinary contribution to the global aviation and hospitality industry.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS World, said: “FHS Awards are reserved for the industry pioneers and leaders whose dedication and innovation have been – and continue to be – pivotal to the success of the Middle East’s tourism and hospitality industry. Following nominations from the FHS Advisory Board, we are delighted to name this year’s winners as His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Sir Tim Clark, two true visionaries who are respected globally for inspiring excellence and shaping the future of the industry.”
FHS Leadership Award: HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri was appointed UAE Minister of Economy in July 2020. Since then, he has advanced the country’s new economic model and elevated tourism as a core pillar of diversification and growth. In June 2025, the UAE Government renamed the Ministry of Economy as the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, with H.E. Bin Touq leading the expanded mandate through 2026. As Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, he has championed the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, integration across the seven emirates, public-private collaboration and a unified national tourism identity. He also led the UAE delegation at the 2025 UN Tourism General Assembly, where H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais was confirmed as Secretary-General for 2026–2029, the first woman and Emirati to lead UN Tourism.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline
As President Emirates Airline since 2003, Sir Tim Clark has driven Emirates’ rapid growth into the world’s largest international airline serving 130 cities on six continents via its hub in Dubai. He has also steered the airline through multiple challenges affecting the aviation industry, including a the Covid pandemic and, more recently, the impact of regional tensions.
Mr Clark has been in the civil aviation business for his entire professional career, joining British Caledonian in 1972, moving to Gulf Air in 1975 and to Dubai 1985, when he became a member of the founding team of Emirates as Head of Airline Planning.
His numerous awards include CAPA Airline Executive of the Year (2022) for his individual influence on the aviation industry, strategic thinking, and innovative direction for the growth of Emirates and the industry. A year later, Future Travel Experience presented him with its first-ever FTE Visionary Award in recognition of his influence in shaping the industry. He has also received Air Transport World’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
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