Hospitality
Viva Italia! Future Hospitality Summit World showcases Italy’s new golden age of tourism with exclusive Country Pavilion
The Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World is unveiling a wealth of investment opportunities in Italy’s hospitality sector, with an exclusive pavilion showcasing the country’s new golden age of tourism.
The Italy Pavilion, on show at FHS World, Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, 27-29 October, will highlight the growth, evolution and future goals of the country’s hospitality and tourism sector, which is gearing up for a surge in lifestyle and boutique developments, heritage renovations, wellness retreats and sustainability-focussed offerings over the next 3-5 years.
Investor confidence in Italy has been boosted by a robust rebound of international tourism, with record arrivals over the last two years. Overnight stays reached 458.4 million in 2024, with overseas visitors accounting for more than half of them, making Italy the second most popular tourism destination in Europe, after Spain. Italy is seeing the fastest growth among major European destinations.
Marco G. Malacrida, Italia Hospitality founder, said: “Italy’s incredible – and historic – hospitality sector performance last year has created a virtuous circle, with increased demand fueling more investment, which in turn enables Italy to offer increasingly sophisticated hospitality products. The country is seen as a safe haven for capital and a dynamic, growing market that delivers long-term returns, particularly in projects that focus on sustainability, innovation, and premium, experience-led tourism. At FHS World, we will showcase how strong tourism demand, high-spending visitors and year-round appeal – backed by a government and tourist board commitment to facilitate investment, promote sustainability and enhance infrastructure – make Italy a solid choice for investors looking to create financial returns and a cultural impact.”

While luxury remains a cornerstone of Italy’s hospitality and tourism sector, lifestyle hotels, resorts and unique offerings in emerging Italian destinations and lesser-known regions are seeing the most dynamic growth. Investors are discovering the potential of places beyond traditional destinations such Rome, Florence and Milan, and shifting their focus to regions from Abruzzo to Sicily, Puglia to Piedmont, and Umbria to the Dolomites. There is also huge potential in turning Italy’s historical villas, monasteries and palaces into hospitality icons, while adventure, sports, arts, music and gastronomy tourism are also expanding rapidly.
With investors and travellers increasingly favouring destinations that respect the environment, support local communities and create long term value, Italy is also spotlighting sustainability as a key pillar of its future tourism strategy.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of the Bench, organiser of FHS World, said: “Italy is open and ready for investment, and we are delighted to help facilitate that investment with our exclusive Italy Pavilion at FHS World. Demand, diversification and discovery in Italy’s hospitality and tourism sector are creating exciting opportunities to become part of the country’s future – and to play a role in realising the country’s economic, tourism and sustainability goals. Viva Italia!”
The FHS World Italy Pavilion is one of four country-focused stands at the event, with the Maldives, Albania and the Philippines also featured.
Visit futurehospitality.com/world/country-pavilions for more details, and Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) | Homepage for all things FHS World.
Hospitality
23 YEARS HOT, 23 CASAS STRONG: NANDO’S BRINGS THE HEAT TO JBR
After 23 years of firing up taste buds across the UAE, Nando’s is celebrating a milestone moment with the launch of its 23rd Casa at Nando’s JBR The Walk. The iconic Southern African brand, loved for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi, is set to celebrate the official grand opening of its new restaurant with a lively launch event on Monday, November 17, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
In the lead-up to the event, Barci, Nando’s cheeky mascot, will take over The Walk from November 10 to 13, spreading smiles, posing for photos, and handing out scratch-and-win cards that give fans the chance to win Nando’s exclusive goodies, from free menu items to signature sauce bottles and the ultimate prize of a free meal for four.
Adding even more sizzle to the festivities, guests of the event will witness a one-of-a-kind Nando’s Grill Off between Fernando Duarte, one of Nando’s founders, and Joe Masedi, the brand’s longest-serving head griller from South Africa. Taking place midway through the event, following the official ribbon and cake cutting ceremony, the friendly showdown promises to be a highlight moment for media and guests alike.
Since its soft opening earlier this summer, Nando’s JBR The Walk has become a go-to for beachside diners looking for bold flavours and upbeat vibes. Perfectly positioned along one of Dubai’s most popular promenades, the restaurant combines soulful food, vibrant interiors, and the warm, friendly energy that Nando’s is loved for.
“Since opening our JBR branch earlier this year, we’ve been blown away by the love and enthusiasm from our guests,” said George Kunnappally, Managing Director, Nando’s UAE. “This celebration is our way of saying thank you, bringing together great food, great vibes, and great people, just the way Nando’s does it best. Barci’s return makes it even more special, as we spread that signature PERi-PERi energy right in the heart of JBR”
The grand opening celebration will capture everything that makes Nando’s a UAE favourite, great food, great vibes, and great people, as the brand commemorates 23 years of PERi-PERi passion across the Emirates.
Hospitality
RIVA BEACH CLUB WELCOMES THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH UNFORGETTABLE BEACHFRONT EVENTS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
The festive season in Dubai is here, and there’s no better place to embrace the celebrations than Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah. Blending golden sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed spirit, Riva is turning up the fun with a sparkling lineup of events, from weekly experiences to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Early bird offers are available until 10 November 2025 – because who doesn’t love a good discount?
Christmas Day Brunch – Celebrate in True Riva Style
Gather your loved ones for a spectacular Christmas feast that blends beachside charm with festive cheer. Indulge in an unlimited buffet of holiday classics and sweet treats, all paired with free-flowing drinks and live entertainment. Little ones will be thrilled with the dedicated kids’ fun zone and crafts, while adults can toast the day with complimentary wine on arrival.
For those looking to welcome 2026 in style, the New Year’s Eve Celebration promises a vibrant beachfront evening with panoramic skyline views, live music, festive décor, and free-flowing drinks under the stars. It’s the ultimate way to ring in the New Year with friends and family right on the sand!
UAE Resident Offer (Every Monday): Start the week with sunshine and flavour. Residents enjoy 50% off the à la carte menu, perfect for a midweek pause with Mediterranean favourites and waterfront vibes.
Mankind Tuesdays (Every Tuesday): Turn a regular Tuesday into an adventure. Men get full beach and pool access, curated dining, up to 50% off water sports rentals with Ignite Water Sports, and 30% off at Kalm Grooming Salon – all for AED 99 per person. Paddleboards, kayaks, and e-foils bring adrenaline and fun, making it the ultimate weekday escape.
The Great Family Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): Weekends just got better. Families can enjoy pool and beach access, curated dining, and kids’ entertainment. The package is AED 399 for two adults and AED 99 per child, with night swim access until 10 PM, because the fun shouldn’t stop when the sun goes down.
Located along Palm Jumeirah’s scenic coastline, Riva Beach Club continues to define the city’s beach lifestyle. With Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, relaxed energy, and stunning views, it remains a favourite destination to celebrate, dine, and unwind for all ages.
Hospitality
PIZZAEXPRESS UAE UNVEILS ELEVATED NEW MENU CELEBRATING FRESH FLAVOURS AND CULINARY CREATIVITY
PizzaExpress UAE has introduced its freshly elevated menu, reimagining the brand’s most-loved classics while adding bold new creations that cater to the UAE’s evolving and adventurous palate.
The refreshed menu reflects PizzaExpress’ ongoing commitment to innovation, freshness, and flavour-first dining experiences. While the brand continues to uphold its 60-year heritage of handcrafted recipes and warm hospitality, the new menu brings a contemporary edge to its culinary story — offering something special for loyal guests and new diners alike.
“At PizzaExpress, we’ve always believed in celebrating food that connects people — from our iconic dough balls to the pizzas and pastas crafted in our kitchens every day,” said Neha Kumar, Brand & Marketing Manager, PizzaExpress UAE. “With this new menu, we’re elevating that experience with fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and exciting global inspirations, while keeping the soul of PizzaExpress alive.”
Celebrating a Fresh Elevated Menu
The new menu brings a sense of discovery and indulgence to every bite — combining signature favourites with inspired, globally influenced creations.
Menu Highlights:
- Signature Pizzas: Carbonara, Garlic Prawn, Duo Romana, Paneer Tikka, Four Season Speciale, and BBQ Burnt End.
- Pasta & Risotto: Chicken & Pesto and Carbonara.
- Grills & Mains: Roast Beef, Grilled Salmon, and Lemon & Herb Chicken.
- Starters & Soups: Truffle & Chicken Potato Dippers, ‘PizzaExpress’ Dynamite Prawns, Roasted Plum & Burrata Salad, Cheese Poppers, and Hawaiian Hot Dough Balls.
- Salads: Avocado Quinoa Salad and Beetroot Feta Salad.
- Desserts: Mango Glazed Cheesecake, Speculoos Molten Cake, Pistachio Brownie Overload, and Tropical Trio.
Each dish has been crafted to balance freshness, creativity, and comfort — hallmarks that define the PizzaExpress dining experience.
Blending Heritage with Modern Innovation
The introduction of the elevated menu follows a series of brand milestones for PizzaExpress UAE, including the launch of its digital loyalty app, PE Club, which rewards guests instantly and offers exclusive benefits across all UAE outlets.
Together, these initiatives highlight the brand’s evolving focus on culinary innovation, customer engagement, and digital-first dining experiences — keeping PizzaExpress at the heart of the UAE’s vibrant casual dining scene.
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