Day 1: Monday - 17 February 2020

Registration and Refreshments

Opening Remarks from Conference Chairman

The Middle East Destinations

Speaker

Christopher Lund

Head of Hotels, MENA Region

Insights on how the Middle East’s long-term destination development is becoming a success through its hospitality and leisure investments and projects.

First look: Exclusive insights into Expo 2020 Insights on how Expo 2020 and how this is become a lasting destination legacy with world-class attractions

Speaker

Raki Phillips

CEO

• An update on the current trends and projects that are attracting tourists to RAK? How is RAK as a destination?
• How are you driving tourists to Destination RAK?
• What are RAKTDA current goals? What was 2019 like for RAK?
• Anything new to look out for in 2020?

Panelists

Raki Phillips

CEO

• Discussing the growth potential of tourism sector with the development of state-of-the-art venue and hotels in RAK
• Current flagship projects on Marjan island?
• Goals for 2020? Current challenges
• Growth plans ? New hotel operators? New projects instore
• Addressing the potential for business and investments partnerships

Networking break and refreshments

Designing and developing destinations that will redefine the urban experience in Abu Dhabi.

	Christopher Lund Head of Hotels, MENA Region Colliers International
	Dr. Bernhard Bauer Head of Strategy, Digital and Innovation Azerbaijan Tourism Board
	Philip Wooler Area Director - Middle East and Africa STR
	Tariq Bsharat Director of Strategy and Business Development Marjan Island

• Addressing the potential for business and investments partnerships between industry and government
• Identify, develop, and promote diverse tourism resources
• Discussing planned tourism infrastructure projects and upcoming key tourism and residential development projects in the region

Speaker

Hala Matar Choufany

President

A closer look on how luxury is attractive and addictive to the Middle East region. How hospitality groups are using luxury to innovate and sustain their growth?

Networking Lunch

Overview of Emerging Destinations 2020 - 2025

Speaker

Dr. Bernhard Bauer

Head of Strategy, Digital and Innovation

Azerbaijan´s Tourism Strategy for the next years including highlights of infrastructure development, attractions and heritage

Learn how increasing flights, fast Wifi, easy visas and nomad friendly programs have made Georgia the No 1 leading emerging destination for 2020. 

Leisure developments and lifestyle brands

End of Day 1