In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Jonathan Worsley speaks with Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, to unpack the group’s dynamic growth strategy across the Middle East. Eddy shares how Rotana is scaling fast, especially in Saudi Arabia, where 13 hotels are in the pipeline, while maintaining a high-touch, owner-centric approach. The conversation dives into the practical challenges of building talent, managing local operations, and competing with global giants through agility and cultural understanding. They also explore the evolving branded residences sector and the franchise vs. third-party management debate.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Riyan Itani, Director & Founder, Global Branded Residences, is joined by Nina Vithlani, Managing Director for MENA at Sectorlight, to explore the explosive growth of branded residences in Asia. They discuss the importance of emotional storytelling, evolving buyer expectations, and how developers and brands can craft meaningful, market-specific identities. From Thailand’s booming pipeline to the emerging hotspots of Vietnam and Japan, this episode is packed with insight into what it takes to resonate with high-net-worth buyers in the region.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Catherine Edwards, Chief Growth Officer, QUO Global speaks with Ho Kwonping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group, on the rise of branded residences and how Banyan pioneered the space in Asia. With over three decades in hospitality, Mr. KP Ho shares insights on the group’s multi-brand expansion, the growing relevance of standalone residences, and why sustainability - both environmental and social - must underpin long-term real estate success. A candid and wide-ranging conversation on strategy, values, and what the future holds for the industry.

In this episode, Bill Barnett, Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks, sits down with Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer at Minor International, to explore how the definition of luxury is evolving—and how branded residences are leading the change. Omar shares insights on redefining luxury through sustainability, wellness, and personalised living, while also shedding light on Minor’s upcoming global projects. From wellness tech in residences to the rise of “real estate collectors,” the conversation covers the latest trends shaping high-end hospitality and residential development. Tune in for a candid, forward-looking discussion on what makes branded residences not just desirable, but meaningful.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Riyan Itani, Director and Founder of Global Branded Residences, discusses the evolution and current state of the branded residences market. He shares insights on the growth of standalone developments, the challenges faced in European markets, and the motivations of different types of buyers. The conversation also explores the role of non-hospitality brands, emerging trends, and the significance of food and beverage offerings in residential developments. Riyan emphasizes the long-term potential of the market and the increasing demand for branded residences globally.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Daria Smith speaks with Ryane Binmahfooz, Brand Development Executive at Baraka, a visionary Saudi real estate company reimagining urban destinations. Ryane shares Baraka’s approach to brand development, balancing cultural authenticity with modern design and innovation. They explore how projects like Monolog and Fizz Time capture the spirit of local communities while aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. From storytelling through architecture to integrating digital tools for immersive experiences, this episode highlights how Baraka is shaping the Kingdom’s future—one brand at a time.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Marina Franolic speaks with Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director & CEO of CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Holdings. Rahul shares the bold investment strategy behind CG’s presence in nearly 200 hotels across emerging markets — from Sri Lanka and India to the Middle East and Africa. He reflects on building through conflict, the rise of wellness as the new luxury, and why sustainability and digitisation are redefining hospitality. The conversation also touches on geopolitical challenges, tourism’s power to unify, and CG’s mission to create purposeful travel experiences rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and resilience.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Antonio López de Ávila Muñoz, Director of Innovation, Education and Investment at UN Tourism, joins host Son-Trang Nguyen to explore how education, innovation, and investment intersect to shape the future of global tourism. From developing accessible learning platforms and pioneering AI-driven tourism education, to helping Saudi Arabia and other nations become smart destinations, Antonio shares powerful insights on how the sector can build sustainable, community-led growth. He also unpacks Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation and the need to align local authenticity with technological progress.