Rotana CEO Philip Barnes Talks Tourism, Hospitality & Saudi Growth | FHS 2025 Exclusive
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
The show is fantastic for us, but we love this show both here and in Dubai.
I think Saudi is going to emerge very strongly in the next 5 years as a destination for people who really want to understand the culture, the history and everything about it.
Global tourism is a $9 trillion business right annually and it's about 9% of annual GDP for the world as a whole.
I'm amazed by the amount of change in this country in the last few years.
Questions This Creator Answers
YouTube Video Description↓
#FHS2025 #PhilipBarnes #RotanaHotels #SaudiTourism #HospitalityLeadership #MiddleEastTravel #AccorOneLiving #HotelDevelopment #TourismEconomy #GlobalHospitality Welcome to this exclusive on-ground interview from the Future Hospitality Summit 2025 in Saudi Arabia, where we catch up with Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana Hotels and Senior VP of Accor One Living. In this candid fireside-style conversation, Philip dives into: ✅ The booming hospitality sector in the Middle East ✅ How Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global tourism destination ✅ Why government policy is crucial to sustaining tourism growth ✅ Rotana’s regional expansion and its unique position as a homegrown hotel brand ✅ Key lessons from markets like Canada, the UK, and Singapore ✅ Rotana's footprint across UAE, Saudi, Jordan, Turkey, North Africa, and more Philip shares real-world examples of how tourism policies—like visa regulations and tax refunds—directly impact not only hotels, but entire economies. He sheds light on the global tourism industry’s $9 trillion annual footprint and how countries like Saudi Arabia are quickly adapting, learning from success stories like the UAE and Singapore. Rotana, a brand born in Abu Dhabi over 30 years ago, remains firmly grounded in the Middle East while expanding across 14 countries and operating 80 hotels. Hear how the group stays ahead in a competitive global market. 🎤 “Saudi is doing what the UAE did: learning quickly and implementing at scale.” — Philip Barnes Whether you're a hospitality professional, travel investor, or curious traveler, this is a must-watch insight into where tourism is headed. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more executive interviews from global summits! TTW is a dedicated B2B digital travel/tourism/hospitality/cruise /airline industry magazine and trade network. Travel And Tour World boasts a readership of over 1.5 millions industry leaders in 195 countries the travel, tourism, airlines, cruise and hospitality industries and also social media influencers and think tanks. We take immense pride in our extensive media partnership history, spanning over a decade since 2009, with 1200+ prestigious travel trade shows worldwide. From Tour Operators, Travel Agents who curate unforgettable journeys to Destination Management Companies ensuring seamless travel experiences, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Planners orchestrating successful events, to Luxury Planners crafting high-end getaways – our readers are at the forefront of shaping the travel landscape. This unique blend of travel industry expertise and specialization within our readership base empowers us to provide in-depth coverage and exclusive insights that cater to the distinct needs and interests of these niche audiences. With this approach, Travel And Tour World continues to foster meaningful connections with the industry leaders contributing to the growth and success of the industry. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttwemagazine Connect with us at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/travel-and-tour-world Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelandtourworld https://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAndTourWorld