Marketing & Guest Loyalty

In the lead up to the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 next month, we asked several industry partners about the opportunities they see for the hospitaliy industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2025 and beyond.

So you don’t have to … These five words are powerful, and whether or not customers realize it, they love them.

“You need to be on social media!” Hoteliers hear it all the time. And while most know this by now, it’s easier said than done. The time, creativity, and strategy required to create a cohesive and consistent social media presence can be overwhelming, especially if your top priority is running a hotel.

Most hoteliers think of labor compliance as a necessary evil—a set of rules they must follow to avoid fines and lawsuits. But the reality is this: compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting profitability, improving workforce efficiency, and delivering a better guest experience.

Behind the reassuring headlines of strong bookings and stable occupancy rates, a deeper story is unfolding. Shifting traveler behavior, rising domestic demand and a growing need for adaptability in the face of political and economic uncertainty.

The $50 room service hamburger wasn’t memorable for its Wagyu beef or truffle aioli. What made it extraordinary was the moment it arrived at 2 a.m., delivered to a jet-lagged executive by John, the room service attendant. With a quiet smile, John said, “I noticed you ordered this same meal during a late arrival last time. I’ve added extra pickles and that spicy sauce you liked.”

In a world increasingly defined by diversity and cultural exchange, the hospitality industry stands as a bridge connecting people from all walks of life. Travelers seek experiences across the globe, and the concept of creating hospitality cohesion in projects spanning several continents and cultures has never been more important.

The best way to come to grips with artificial intelligence (AI) for spa and wellness is through the phrase ‘technology-adjacent therapies’. That is, for our industry where human-to-human contact is ever-so-centric to guest satisfaction, it’s not that automation will supplant practitioners but that these contemporary tools will offset the undesirable, repetitive tasks to augment the experience. Hence, hoteliers and managers shouldn’t necessarily look to how AI can boost the guest journey but to their own teams’ experience, otherwise known as the software’s ‘end users’.

One of the most incredible things about working in hospitality is the instant feedback loop. I’ve worked across e-commerce, tech, consumer goods, and B2B services, and in every one of those sectors, there was always a goal to make customers happier. But nowhere have I found the kind of rapid, tangible cause-and-effect loop that exists in hospitality.

Imagine this, a couple books a weekend stay, and instead of a generic confirmation from the hotel, they receive a tip about a hidden sunset spot or a breakfast-in-bed option. Small touches like these can transform a regular visit into a memorable experience, making guests feel more special and making your brand stand out.