As the Middle East’s hospitality sector grows, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is shaping its future. Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director for Türkiye, the Middle East, and Africa, discusses Wyndham’s focus on sustainability, talent development, and the company’s exciting opportunities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond in an interview with Destination KSA.



How does Wyndham prioritize talent developmentin the Middle East?
Talent development is at thecore of Wyndham’s strategy. Through our Wyndham University platform, we offer tailored training programs in leadership, operational excellence, and sustainability, ensuring our workforce is prepared to meet the demands of the hospitality industry.
What challenges does the Middle East face in developing skilled talent, and how is Wyndham addressing them?
With the region’s rapid growth, there’s a demand for specialized skills. Wyndham addresses this by providing mentorship, skill-building workshops, and a structured approach to training. These efforts nurture a highly capable workforce aligned with the region’s tourism goals.
How is Wyndham integrating sustainability into its operations?
Sustainability is integral to Wyndham’s operations, guided by the Wyndham Green program. We’ve achieved a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and transitioned 70% of our properties to bulk amenity dispensers. These efforts underscore our commitment to minimizing environmental impact while enhancing resource efficiency.
What are some exciting developments Wyndham has in the pipeline?
Wyndham’s upcoming projects include a 347-room hotel inMakkah and multiple properties in Dubai. These developments align with Vision 2030, offering sustainable and accessible hospitality options to support the region’s growing tourism objectives.
What trends do you foresee shaping the hospitality industry in the Middle East?
Travelers increasingly seek authentic, culturally immersive experiences and wellnessfocused stays. Wyndham is meeting this demand by creating guest experiences that reflect regional culture and values.
How is Wyndham contributing to the Middle East’s tourism vision?
Wyndham’s expansion strategy supports regional goals by fostering local talent, offering
diverse accommodations, and delivering quality hospitality experiences. These efforts position Wyndham as a key player in the region’s dynamic tourism landscape.
What trends do you see shaping the future of hospitality in the Middle East?
The future of hospitality in the region will be heavily influenced by the demand for authentic travel experiences. Guests are looking for more personalized, culturally immersive stays. Wellness tourism is also rising, with travelers seeking experiences that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Wyndham is embracing these trends by offering more unique, regionally inspired experiences at our properties.
What key opportunities do you foresee for Wyndham in the Middle East in the coming years?
The Middle East offers vast opportunities for Wyndham, especially with the growing focus on both leisure and business tourism. We are particularly focused on expanding in the three-star segment, which offers value-driven accommodations without compromising on quality. This expansion, along with the rising demand for branded residences, will allow Wyndham to capture a wider audience.
How did the Future of Hospitality Summit World 2024 influence Wyndham’s strategy?
The Future of Hospitality Summit World 2024 underscored the importance of resilience, sustainability, and innovation in hospitality. These insights will help shape Wyndham’s approach to operations, sustainability, and guest experiences as we continue to grow in the region.
How is Wyndham contributing to the Middle East’s vision for the future of tourism?
Wyndham is proud to support the Middle East’s vision for growth by expanding our presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. By developing sustainable hotels, focusing on talent development, and offering a range of accommodations, we are playing a key role in the region’s thriving tourism sector.
For more information visit, wyndhamhotels.com