Hospitality summit to be hosted by Saudi Tourism Ministry and G20 Secretariat

Visitors are seen in front of Qasr al-Farid tomb at the Madain Saleh antiquities site in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, January 31, 2020. (REUTERS)
Short Url
Updated 12 October 2020
Follow

Hospitality summit to be hosted by Saudi Tourism Ministry and G20 Secretariat

  • The event wants to provide an inspirational and important platform to bring the industry together amid the coronavirus pandemic to discuss how the outbreak has affected global and local tourism

RIYADH: A virtual conference for global leaders in the hospitality industry is being held later this month by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and the G20 Secretariat.
The event is part of the International Conferences Program and has been developed to tackle the big ideas and challenges faced by the hospitality industry in the Kingdom and the rest of the world.
It takes place on Oct. 26 and 27 and involves more than 100 industry speakers and thousands of participants from around the world.
The digital event platform will provide an immersive live experience, including a virtual exhibition, one-to-one video networking and integrated chat features.
High-profile speakers include: Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International; Arnold W. Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation; Gloria Guevara Manzo, CEO and president of the World Travel & Tourism Council, and Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.
The event wants to provide an inspirational and important platform to bring the industry together amid the coronavirus pandemic to discuss how the outbreak has affected global and local tourism.
The speaker’s lineup will discuss and reimagine the future of hospitality in the Middle East and across the globe.

FASTFACTS

• The event is part of the International Conferences Program and has been developed to tackle the big ideas and challenges faced by the hospitality industry in the Kingdom and the rest of the world.

• It takes place on Oct. 26 and 27 and involves more than 100 industry speakers and thousands of participants from around the world. 

The event also wants to help participants create an industry that is relevant for a post-pandemic world, supportive of entrepreneurs and innovation, sustainable for the global economy and the environment, and attractive to the workforce of the future.
Summit organizers have put together live program sessions for delegates that focus on understanding the new landscape, collaborating and assessing opportunities, and innovating to recreate the industry’s future.
The event will also feature a “networking area” that will match visitors with another decision-maker in the room for a quick video call, and allows people to exchange business cards virtually.
There will be roundtables for more-focused interactions and discussions on specific industry topics where people can join a multi-screen live video conversation to exchange business ideas and industry knowledge.
Interested industry professionals can register to attend at http://www.futurehospitalitysummit.com.


Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan

Updated 19 February 2026
Follow

Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan

  • Venus-crescent moon alignment visible in Northern Borders
  • Meteorology center issuing swift weather alerts for pilgrims

ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in the Kingdom with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition, the National Center for Meteorology has confirmed its readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

On Tuesday evening in Arar there was a rare alignment of the planet Venus with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan.

Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.

While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, the SPA said.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)

Meanwhile, as the faithful began fasting, the NMC announced the readiness of its observatories at the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and ensure aviation safety.

The NCM’s CEO Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam said there would be round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the two holy mosques.

To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the Nusuk and Tawakkalna smart applications. Ten-day forecasts and alerts will also be available via the Anwaa app and on guidance boards along highways.

The center has 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season, the SPA reported.