We’re looking forward to joining the 8th edition of GIOHIS – the Gulf & Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit, a leading regional event that has been bringing together hotel real estate investors, developers, and operators. Known for its sharp industry focus and senior-level attendance, GIOHIS has become a key platform for shaping hospitality investment conversations in the Middle East and beyond.
Event Details:
Dates: April 7–8, 2025
Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, UAE
At this year’s summit, our Group CEO, Roger Allen, will participate in two sessions:
1. April 7, 14:00 | Panel Moderator
“The Race to ‘Be Heinz’ – Is There Brand Saturation in the Market?”
In today’s crowded hotel landscape, branding has become both a differentiator and a challenge. With over 1,000 brands now in circulation, this session will explore whether the rapid expansion of hotel labels is strengthening brand identity or diluting it. Roger will guide a frank discussion on what makes a brand genuinely distinct—and how cultural consistency, leadership, and operational models play into long-term brand value.
Panelists include:
Saurabh Bakshi, COO, Hospitality Management, Azizi
Paul Macpherson, Chief Asset Officer, Modon Hospitality
Vijay Raghavan, Board Member, Golden Sands Hotels
Dr. Naim Maadad, Chief Executive & Founder, Gates Hospitality
2. April 8, 16:15 | Speaker
“Has the Wellness Trend Found New Legs for Investors or Is It Still Too Narrow a Niche for Real Profitability?”
Roger will also speak on a panel examining the evolving role of wellness in hospitality. His contribution will bring a broader investment and strategy perspective to the discussion, highlighting how wellness fits into the larger picture of value creation and guest experience.
Moderator:
Virna Ramazzini, Partner, Z-65 Vision Collaborative
Speakers:
Roger Allen, Group CEO, RLA Global
Sharon Codner, Director of Wellness, Atlantis
Prateek Kumar, Senior Vice President, Dusit Hotels and Resorts
Judith Cartwright, Founder & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting
We look forward to joining this top-tier hospitality investment event and reconnecting with peers and partners.
To meet Roger during GIOHIS 2025, feel free to reach out at contactus@rlaglobal.com.
RLA Global partners with sleep technology innovator FreshBed, who becomes the official sponsor of RLA's Wellness Real Estate Report, reflecting our shared conviction that quality sleep is fundamental to guest satisfaction and loyalty. Read more
RLA Global partners with sleep technology innovator FreshBed, who becomes the official sponsor of RLA's Wellness Real Estate Report, reflecting our shared conviction that quality sleep is fundamental to guest satisfaction and loyalty. Read more
We are proud to have our Group CEO, Roger Allen, representing RLA Global at IHIF 2025 in Berlin! Roger will be a judge in The Dragon’s Den, part of the exciting new Pitch Perfect initiative, where visionary hospitality developers present their innovative investment proposals. This session offers a unique opportunity to gain industry insights, and explore the next generation of hospitality projects. Read more
We are proud to have our Group CEO, Roger Allen, representing RLA Global at IHIF 2025 in Berlin! Roger will be a judge in The Dragon’s Den, part of the exciting new Pitch Perfect initiative, where visionary hospitality developers present their innovative investment proposals. This session offers a unique opportunity to gain industry insights, and explore the next generation of hospitality projects. Read more
The hospitality industry currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with unprecedented challenges posed by the climate crisis. Hotel owners and operators need a pragmatic shift to address these challenges and a forward-thinking strategic approach to adaptation. Read more
The hospitality industry currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with unprecedented challenges posed by the climate crisis. Hotel owners and operators need a pragmatic shift to address these challenges and a forward-thinking strategic approach to adaptation. Read more
This year will mark the emergence of adaptive personalisation in hospitality, a trend combining hyper-personalised digital services powered by advanced technology and all-important traditional human interactions between hosts and guests. Read more
This year will mark the emergence of adaptive personalisation in hospitality, a trend combining hyper-personalised digital services powered by advanced technology and all-important traditional human interactions between hosts and guests. Read more
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