Neom to establish itself as a pioneer in the future of hospitality: Chris Newman

 

Neom to establish itself as a pioneer in the future of hospitality: Chris Newman

In a rapidly changing world, where the hospitality sector is entering a new era, NEOM is poised to keep pace with its innovative hotel developments. This strategic approach positions NEOM at the forefront of business innovation, enhanced livability, and environmental sustainability.

As we approach the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2023, scheduled for September 25-27 at Hilton Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and organized by The Bench, we had the privilege of speaking with Chris Newman, the Executive Director of NEOM Hotel Development. FHS, the region's flagship hospitality investment platform, will convene industry leaders from the Middle East and Africa for discussions, deals, and insights into the continuous growth of the hospitality and tourism sectors, all under the theme 'Focus on Investment.'

With over 35 years of global hospitality experience, Chris Newman has a remarkable track record overseeing hotel strategies, introducing pioneering concepts, and nurturing high-performance teams. His mission is to position NEOM at the forefront of the hospitality revolution. Here is an exclusive interview with Chris, as conducted by Economy Middle East.

Can you provide an overview of NEOM's vision and objectives in the realm of hotel development and hospitality?

Our vision is to establish ourselves as pioneers in the future of hospitality. Unburdened by legacy infrastructure, we have a blank canvas to work with. This presents an incredible opportunity to harness technological advances and explore concepts that may not be feasible in other environments. Our focus is on pushing the boundaries of design and innovation in property development while tailoring our service philosophy to cater to individual preferences. We aspire to become a global leader, driving change in a new era for our industry, all while contributing significantly to the goals of NEOM and the Kingdom.

NEOM is striving to be a model for sustainable development. How does this sustainability ethos influence the design and operation of NEOM's hotels?

Our properties will be powered by 100% renewable energy and will operate in harmony with nature. We are committed to principles of environmental responsibility, implementing sustainable and regenerative practices in both the construction and operation of our hotel ecosystem. With 95% of our land preserved for nature, NEOM offers an extraordinary biodiversity and unique nature-based experiences. At a critical moment when the world confronts the challenges of climate change, we have a distinctive opportunity to reshape our approach to global sustainability. We place this responsibility at the forefront of our daily decision-making as we strive to achieve NEOM's sustainability targets.

Could you share insights into the strategies employed to attract both domestic and international travelers?

Our partnerships with leading hoteliers will play a pivotal role in attracting travelers from around the world. For instance, in Trojena, we are collaborating with Ennismore to introduce 25-hour Hotels and Morgans Originals, two iconic lifestyle brands known for their creativity and design-focused spaces. These properties will offer stunning mountain views and complement Trojena's status as the host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games, making it a global landmark for Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Sindalah Island's resort, in partnership with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, will provide luxurious accommodation options, including villas with private yacht docks, swimming pools, and gyms. In NEOM's industrial city of the future, Oxagon, NEOM Hotel Development is partnering with brands such as Kerten Hospitality and IHG Hotels & Resorts to tailor hospitality for a community hosting some of the world's most forward-thinking innovators and visionary entrepreneurs. Our focus on experiential-led concepts ensures that our properties offer unique and memorable experiences to our guests, underpinned by innovative architecture, technology, and design.

Collaboration is a key driver in NEOM's development. How does NEOM foster partnerships with international hotel chains and local stakeholders to achieve its goals?

NEOM Hotel Development collaborates with ambitious partners who combine the expertise of global brands with the innovative thinking of emerging players. We seek partners who share our vision for ushering in a new era of hospitality by redefining how we travel, stay, and live. Such partnerships require fresh, creative, and bold thinking, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. We value partners who can bring these qualities to the table.

Could you elaborate on the potential economic impact of NEOM Hotel Development on the local community and the broader region?

Our mission is to create a workforce in which talent from the Kingdom can actively shape the future of the hospitality industry. We aim to make hospitality a rewarding career path, offering abundant opportunities for young Saudis. Maintaining strong connections to our Saudi roots is integral to our success. We are dedicated to building a workforce driven by young nationals who are ambitious and committed to helping us achieve our goals.

We have already taken steps to sponsor students in vocational programs, placing them at the forefront of advancements in the sector. Additionally, NEOM's Graduates Opportunities in Work (GrOW) program accelerates careers at scale, providing young graduates with top-notch training, mentorships, and growth prospects that are unmatched elsewhere. NEOM Hotel Development plays a role in this initiative, supporting the next generation of leaders.

Source: https://economymiddleeast.com/