Hospitality

BALANCING AUTHENTICITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND GUEST EXPERIENCE

Published

12 months ago

November 4, 2025

Exclusive interview with Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President and Head of Development, Middle East, India & Africa, H World International

How has Future Hospitality Summit 2025 shaped up as a platform for thought leadership and collaboration within the hospitality space this year?

The Future Hospitality Summit continues to play an instrumental role in driving impactful dialogue and connections for hospitality brands in the region. This year, the summit highlighted how the industry is evolving towards purpose-driven growth and sustainable transformation.

For H World International, FHS 2025 has provided us with the opportunity to connect with investors, owners, and developers while sharing insights on aligning hospitality development with evolving traveller expectations. The summit’s focus on innovation and long-term value creation aligns with H World International’s vision to grow responsibly across key markets in the Middle East. FHS 2025 highlighted some key industry insights as well as key milestones and achievements by regional and international hospitality brands. We are proud to mark a key milestone on such a dynamic international platform. Globally, H World Group celebrates 20 years this year, with more than 12,000 hotels and 1.1 million rooms worldwide, and conferences such as FHS 2025 have played an important role in shaping our partnerships in the region.

What were some of the key trends or conversations at FHS 2025 that resonated most with you and your brand’s direction?

This year, the summit reflected a significant connection between digital transformation, sustainability, and authenticity as defining themes for the future of hospitality. These trends are shaping investment and operational strategies across the sector. The growing demand for high-quality mid-scale offerings was particularly notable, which has been an important focus for us. Our IntercityHotel brand continues to demonstrate a defining presence across the Middle East, focusing on functionality, urban designs, and efficiency that resonates with younger travellers who value reliability and purpose. We also saw greater emphasis on wellness and purposeful travel. Across our portfolio, the goal remains to create hotels that are operationally efficient, sustainable, and emotionally engaging.

We are incorporating more wellness-oriented elements across H World International’s hotel concepts, from enhanced fitness and relaxation spaces to thoughtful design that promotes rest and recovery. The industry-wide emphasis on sustainability, wellness, and localisation aligns closely with our approach of developing hotels that are operationally efficient while remaining culturally connected to their destinations.

You have led development across three vastly different regions, what’s one cultural insight that’s changed how you view hospitality altogether?

Having worked across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, I have learned that hospitality may be a universal language, but its expression is entirely local. True hospitality is about resonance rather than replication.

Each market carries its own identity. At H World International, we translate these nuances into experiences that combine the local heritage and culture with hospitality excellence that defines our brands in the region. This approach has shaped our expansion in key source markets such as Egypt, where our highly anticipated Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort and Steigenberger Resort Byoum Lakeside, will soon welcome guests to experience world-class hospitality in very distinctive destinations.

Furthermore, Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort is the first international hotel brand in the region – a UNESCO heritage site, offering modern comfort and historic charm. This development reflects H World International’s vision to be the trusted partner of choice for owners and guests across the Middle East and Africa, supporting long-term growth in alignment with national tourism goals.

Can you share your insights on how evolving travel behaviours and cultural expectations are influencing how global hospitality brands redefine “guest experience” today?

Today’s traveller seeks far more than comfort or convenience; they expect a seamless, personalised, and purpose-driven experience. The integration of technology, sustainability, and emotional connection now defines the modern guest journey. Our regional portfolio mirrors these factors with brands such as IntercityHotel offering modern, functional spaces elegantly designed for today’s connected traveller. H Rewards, the world’s largest hospitality loyalty programme with over 288 million members, has also been pivotal to this transformation, allowing us to personalise stays, enhance guest engagement, and offer added value. As guests seek brands that combine quality with sustainability, our hotels integrate energy efficiency, reduced plastic use, and locally inspired designs, ensuring that every stay reflects both modern expectations and the enriched regional culture.

At H World Group, our global presence consists of more than 12,000 hotels and over 1.1 million rooms across 19 countries, enabling us to gain real-time insights from diverse guest demographics and cultural nuances. This scale gives us a deeper understanding of what travellers value most, enabling us to deliver experiences that balance local authenticity with consistent global quality.

We are seeing travellers seeking more authenticity and emotional connection, how is H World International interpreting this shift in its hotel concepts?

Authenticity and emotional resonance are increasingly central to how travellers define value. At H World International, we view this shift as an opportunity to craft experiences that tell a story, one that connects the guest to the culture, community, and sense of belonging. Across our portfolio, this philosophy is reflected through architecture, design, and locally inspired experiences. A great example is IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan, opening in June 2027, which blends German hospitality traditions with contemporary Saudi design influences, creating a product that feels both international and locally relevant.

Likewise, our Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort in Egypt is inspired by the cultural and natural heritage of its surroundings, embodying a timeless design that honours the authenticity and spirit of Saint Catherine, a UNESCO heritage site.

This balance between cultural integrity and operational excellence enables us to create environments where guests feel genuinely connected to their destination.

With generational and cultural differences shaping travel demand, what challenges or opportunities do you see in designing experiences that feel globally relevant yet locally grounded?

The hospitality sector is navigating a complex yet exciting landscape, where generational and cultural diversity are reshaping what guests value. Younger travellers prioritise digital convenience, flexibility, and sustainability, while established segments continue to seek consistency and service excellence. The challenge and the opportunity lie in harmonising these expectations. At H World International, we are focusing on creating spaces that transcend demographics, combining timeless comfort with modern relevance. We integrate sustainable design, local materials, and technology to ensure our hotels remain adaptable and meaningful in every market.

Hospitality

Rohini Refreshes Its Summer Menu with Two New Lassi Blends

Published

8 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Rohini, the award winning Indian restaurant at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, is welcoming the summer season with a new lassi line, bringing two refreshing blends to the menu: the vibrant Very Berry Lassi and the rich Khoya and Coconut Lassi. A refreshing classic, blended to perfection with authentic flavours and a touch of indulgence, the new additions offer guests a cooling counterpoint to Rohini’s daring, spice forward menu.

Known for reimagining Indian classics with a bold, contemporary edge, Rohini has built its identity around unexpected pairings and vibrant presentation, and the new lassi line follows that same spirit. The Very Berry Lassi blends the traditional yoghurt base with fresh, tart berries for a bright, summery profile, while the Khoya and Coconut Lassi leans into rich, creamy notes for a smoother, more indulgent finish. Both are designed to sit comfortably alongside Rohini’s signature dishes, whether as a palate cooling accompaniment or a stand alone treat.

The launch reflects Rohini’s ongoing commitment to keeping its menu responsive to the season, giving regulars and first time diners alike a reason to return as temperatures rise. Guests are invited to explore the delightful selection of refreshing blends crafted to complement the Rohini experience, and discover their favourite sip. The lassi line is now available at Rohini, located within Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster A, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

Hospitality

MAKE A WEEKEND OF UFC 333 WITH A STAY AT YAS PLAZA HOTELS

Published

8 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The excitement of UFC 333 is making its way to Etihad Arena ahead of the main fight on Saturday, 24th of October. For fans planning to visit Yas Island, Yas Plaza Hotels brings together six distinct stays, with plenty to enjoy before and after the action.

Yas Island offers an array of stays to complement the energy of fight weekend, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to recharge before the action and unwind after the final bell. Yas Plaza Marina brings a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere, while Yas Plaza Circuit provides a welcoming base for families. Those seeking a more peaceful escape can enjoy the nature-inspired surroundings of Yas Plaza Mangroves, while Yas Plaza Bay offers spacious family suites. Crowne Plaza Yas Island adds a touch of Mediterranean charm, and Staybridge Suites Yas Island caters to guests seeking additional space and comfort with its apartment-style suites. With something to suit every travel style, the excitement extends well beyond the Octagon.

Across the collection, guests can enjoy shared access to pools, wellness and sports facilities, as well as 21 dining venues. It’s an easy way to turn fight night into a longer island escape, with time to gather over a meal, unwind by the pool or make the most of Yas Island between bouts.

Hospitality

Sun Siyam Expands Its Maldives Guest Offering with Five Distinctive Halloween Experiences

Published

8 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

White sands. Crystal-clear lagoons. Palm trees swaying in the breeze. Not exactly where you would expect to come face-to-face with a horror icon, wander through the strange world of Beetlejuice or find little witches and superheroes trick-or-treating beneath coconut palms. Yet every October, Sun Siyam proves that Halloween and paradise make an unexpectedly perfect match. Across the collection, guests can choose their own Halloween adventure. Lose yourself inside a cinematic horror of Cult Classics production at Siyam World, step into the delightfully strange universe of Beetlejuice at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, celebrate Maldivian traditions beneath the stars at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, embrace relaxed beachfront festivities at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, or watch little monsters set off on tropical trick-or-treat adventures at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. Whatever your Halloween personality, there is an island waiting.

Where horror becomes a holiday

At the centre of it all is Siyam World, where Halloween has become something of a legend in its own right. Never one for a handful of pumpkins and a themed buffet, the resort returns with CULT CLASSICS, its boldest Halloween production yet. Inspired by the cult horror films that defined generations, guests are invited to step inside an interactive walkthrough where every corner reveals another surprise. Live performers, cinematic sets, immersive storytelling and unexpected encounters blur the line between audience and performance, creating an experience that is as theatrical as it is thrilling. Survive the walkthrough and the night is only just beginning. The experience unfolds into a spectacular live production, where cinematic storytelling, immersive sets, theatrical performances and unexpected encounters blur the line between audience and show. It is horror, but with a distinctly Siyam World twist: bigger, bolder, brilliantly over the top and impossible to experience from the sidelines. And when the scares give way to the after-party, DJ and music producer SARRA takes over the decks. Blending Afro House, Afro Tech House, Indie Dance and Latin House, her sound moves through deep grooves, layered percussion and global rhythms, bringing a high-energy electronic soundtrack to the night. Known for building sets that evolve with the dancefloor, SARRA will take CULT CLASSICS from immersive horror spectacle into a Halloween party that keeps going long after the final scare.

The Wonderfully Weird Side of Paradise

At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, guests are invited to leave reality behind and enter the wonderfully weird world of Beetlejuice. Inspired by the cult classic, the resort undergoes a dramatic transformation, where black-and-white stripes, glowing green lighting, theatrical installations and playful surprises turn familiar island spaces into an immersive fantasy. From themed cocktails and imaginative dining to roaming characters and live performances, the island embraces the strange from day into night. Taking over the decks is international DJ Giada Brincè, bringing her signature blend of hypnotic Afro House rhythms and sophisticated electronic sounds to the celebration. Having performed across destinations including Monte Carlo, Mykonos and Italy, and built a global following through her live sets and social channels, Brincè will bring a refined but high-energy soundtrack to Olhuveli’s Halloween night. Expect the wonderfully weird, the theatrical and the unexpected, with a seriously good beat behind it.

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Halloween meets authentic Maldivian hospitality. Guests gather beneath the stars at Islander’s Grill for a beachfront barbecue showcasing freshly caught seafood, premium cuts and Mediterranean and Asian-inspired flavours before the rhythmic energy of a traditional Bodu Beru performance fills the night. The celebrations continue at Water’s Edge with a lively Halloween DJ party where tropical rhythms keep families and friends dancing late into the evening.

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Halloween unfolds at an easy island pace. Young guests begin the day with festive crafts at Turtle Kidz Club before the celebrations move to Chemistry Bar for a lively pool party complete with DJ beats, themed drinks and poolside dining. As evening arrives, the island swaps spooky surprises for barefoot elegance with a beachfront Lobster BBQ accompanied by live music beneath the stars.

Meanwhile, at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Halloween comes to life with Ocean Haunt, an island-wide celebration where tropical charm meets playful imagination. Families can expect a day filled with music, dancing, face painting, creative crafts and the colourful Little Monsters Parade, while younger guests unleash their creativity decorating ghostly cookies and spooky treats at Turtle Kidz Club. As darkness falls, the festivities continue with a themed beachfront BBQ, where DJ beats, ocean breezes and a touch of island magic transform Halloween into a relaxed celebration beneath the stars. Equal parts family fun and barefoot luxury, Ocean Haunt captures the lighter, more whimsical side of Halloween in paradise.

Whether guests are seeking blockbuster entertainment, immersive fantasy, authentic island celebrations, elegant beachfront evenings or unforgettable family adventures, Sun Siyam offers a Halloween unlike anywhere else in the Maldives. Because Halloween does not have to be wrapped in fog, falling leaves or cobwebs. Sometimes the best scares happen with warm sand beneath your feet, a cocktail in hand and the Indian Ocean quietly watching in the background.

Fear has never looked so good.

For those inspired to swap autumn for the tropics, there has never been a better time to plan an island escape. Sun Siyam Resorts is currently offering a range of exclusive seasonal offers across its Maldivian collection, with added value including savings on accommodation, complimentary transfers, resort credits and signature experiences. Many offers are available for bookings made until 31 October 2026, making Halloween the perfect excuse to discover paradise with a darker twist.