Future Hospitality Summit Podcast

In this episode of the FHS podcast, Dr. Fabien Fresnel, CEO of the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality, joins Jonathan Worsley to discuss Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to train 1 to 2 million young Saudis for the tourism and hospitality sectors over the next 10–15 years. Dr. Fresnel explains the urgent need for a "people strategy" to match the Kingdom's rapid development goals, how the school plans to scale up with innovation and technology, and why localized, multi-dimensional education will be critical. He also shares insights on bridging academia and industry, empowering female participation, embedding ESG culture in hospitality education, and creating an ecosystem of training centers across the Kingdom by 2030.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Muin Serhan, CEO of Amsa Hospitality, joins Jonathan Worsley to explore how Amsa is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape. Muin outlines the company’s bold strategy to tap into underserved secondary markets while also expanding in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. He explains Amsa’s four-pronged development approach—including land acquisition, JV partnerships, and management deals—and how its collaboration with leading hotel brands like Accor, Radisson, and IHG is accelerating growth. Muin also highlights the role of the Amsa Academy in training local talent, the company’s push into sustainable and tech-driven innovation, and the importance of aligning with Vision 2030. With a pipeline of over 10,000 keys, Amsa is charting a new path for homegrown hospitality in the Kingdom.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Calm Co-Founder Michael Acton Smith opens up about his entrepreneurial journey—from tech burnout to building the world’s leading mindfulness brand. He shares how Calm evolved from a meditation app into a wellness powerhouse, now with over 190 million downloads. Michael discusses the brand’s collaboration with Hilton, the future of embedding wellness into hospitality, and the company's ambitions to move from digital to physical—through products, experiences, and branded living spaces. Tune in for insights on the business of calm, the power of sleep, and why the hospitality world should pay close attention.

In this special episode of the FHS Podcast, we meet Amani — a conversational AI designed to help the hospitality industry innovate, grow, and reimagine guest experiences. Amani shares smart investment insights across emerging markets like Saudi Arabia, India, and West Africa, discusses how AI enhances (not replaces) the human touch, and even reveals who she’s most excited to meet at Future Hospitality Summit. With thoughtful views on sustainability, personalisation, and the future of tech-enabled travel, this episode is your backstage pass to a future-facing conversation between man and machine.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast,Adelina Phua, Managing Lyf Partner, The Ascott Limited, unpacks the evolution of Lyf from a bold idea in 2016 to a growing portfolio of over 35 properties across Asia-Pacific and Europe. Designed for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and modern travelers, Lyf is redefining what it means to live, work, and play under one roof. Adeline discusses how Lyf uses design, data, and community engagement — from "Ambassadors of Buzz" to yoga classes and pet adoption drives — to create a vibrant and flexible hospitality model. She also shares insights into investor interest, expansion into Europe and the Middle East, and key learnings like bringing back TVs (but not the channels). Lyf is more than a stay — it’s a movement toward social living.