World’s largest adventure travel company chooses Colombo as the host city for its flagship people event

Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company, has chosen Colombo, Sri Lanka, as the host city for its annual Global Summit 2025. This marks only the second time the company has hosted the annual event outside its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia – underscoring Sri Lanka’s vital role within Intrepid’s global operations. #travel #tourism #MICE #PCO #Interpid

Intrepid established an office in Colombo in 2012 and has gone from strength to strength since then. With both a capability center and a country office managing trips across the island, Sri Lanka has become a key operational center for the company, supporting technology, revenue management, human resources, product services, finance and customer service. The size and impact of Intrepid’s local team with 276 office based staff and 45 Local Tour Leaders, coupled with the destination’s strong performance, made it a natural choice for this prestigious event.

Scheduled to take place from February 24 to 27, 2025, Intrepid’s Global Summit will bring together over 200 international participants over 50 nationalities across its 40 plus offices, including Intrepid’s board, co-founders, and core management team, alongside 300 local team members.

The Four Day Summit in Sri Lanka

The four-day summit will feature strategy discussions, leadership workshops, local community engagements and familiarizations trips to its people around the world. This initiative aligns with Intrepid’s broader mission to foster a strong, inclusive company culture where team members play a role in shaping the business. Bringing together key stakeholders in Sri Lanka signals a firm commitment to strengthening global teams and reinforcing the company’s presence in Asia.

It is also fitting that Sri Lanka has been selected to host the event, with Intrepid having been named Best Destination Loyal Partner at the recent Sri Lanka National Tourism Awards 2024, as well as being shortlisted as a finalist in Best Sustainable Practices.

“Our team in Sri Lanka are such an important part of our company and our customers also love visiting this incredible and vibrant country,” said James Thornton CEO of Intrepid Travel. “Our vision for Sri Lanka extends beyond tourism; it’s about driving sustainable growth and creating meaningful, lasting impact. The growing number of Intrepid travelers choosing Sri Lanka highlights its immense potential, and we remain committed to ensuring local communities share in the benefits of this success. I’m delighted that we will be able to share in the culture of Sri Lanka, while supporting local businesses and communities,” Thornton added.

In 2024, Over 4000 Travellers to Sri Lanka – 206% Increase from 2023

In 2024, Intrepid achieved remarkable growth, welcoming over 4,000 travelers to Sri Lanka, a 206% increase from 2023, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. The company has ambitious plans to welcome over 15,000 travelers to Sri Lanka by 2030, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s tourism and growth further driving economic benefits for local communities, tour leaders, and small businesses.

“We are excited to welcome our Global leadership and colleagues around the world to Colombo. This is a remarkable privilege and a great opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s incredible offerings as a destination, share our vibrant culture, and celebrate our biggest people event in our Company’s Calander right here in my home country,” said Poornaka Delpachitra, Intrepid’s Country General Manager for Sri Lanka.

As Sri Lanka continues its recovery as a premier travel destination, hosting Intrepid’s Global Summit is a significant boost for the country’s tourism industry with the presence of top global leaders and decision-makers in Colombo.

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The strictly B2B event, which will run from April 8-10 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC), is already seeing a high demand with hundreds of exhibitors from 26 countries

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

• Following announcement of giga-projects, World Expo 2030, and FIFA World Cup 2034, the Kingdom is set for huge investment in tourism; Riyadh to address surge in demand with hospitality trade show
• Running from April 8-10, the 13^th edition of the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia will feature exhibitors from 26 countries, outlining pathway towards Vision 2030’s hospitality sector targets

The 13^th edition of the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia (www.TheHotelShowSaudiArabia.com) is set to return as a standalone event in 2025. It will serve as a pivotal platform for global industry leaders to capitalise on Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism sector while contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 objectives.

The strictly B2B event, which will run from April 8-10 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC), is already seeing a high demand with hundreds of exhibitors from 26 countries including Türkiye, China, India, and Italy, and strong participation registered from Saudi Arabia. Major industry names confirmed include RAK Porcelain, BAAL, Palatino, Technogym International, Sealy, Sleep High, Port Store, True International, Anatomy Fitness, and Egyptian Porcelain.

With all four halls in RICEC sold out, the event underscores the rapid growth and developing opportunities within the Kingdom’s hospitality sector

Organizers dmg events & KAOUN International have separated the show from its previous co-location alongside INDEX Saudi Arabia and the Lighting Design & Technology Expo. Due to the high demand from exhibitors, the event aims to better servicing Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented hospitality industry growth.

“As Saudi Arabia continues its strategic expansion within the global hospitality landscape and towards its goals for Vision 2030, this year’s Hotel and Hospitality Expo is poised to be a significant milestone,” said Jasmeet Bakshi, Vice President, Design and Hospitality at dmg events. “With all four halls in RICEC sold out, the event underscores the rapid growth and developing opportunities within the Kingdom’s hospitality sector.”

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry is undergoing unprecedented new build development. According to Knight Frank, the Kingdom will welcome 320,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 to cater to 150 million annual tourists as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of having tourism contribute 10 per cent of GDP. More than a third – 67 per cent of the new rooms — will be in ‘upscale’ or ‘luxury’ 4- and 5-star properties. New hotel management agreements are being announced monthly, with owners opting for ambitious refurbishments to remain competitive.

The expo’s dedicated industry focus has attracted the official support of the Restaurant and Café Owners Association, which boasts a network of 3,500-plus restaurateurs and investors with numerous industry buyers expected to attend. Ahmed Alkashakri, CEO of Restaurants & Cafes Association: “The event presents unparalleled opportunities to explore innovative solutions that will propel our industry forward. It will also showcase the immense potential of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism transformation, offering valuable insights and benefits for all.”

The sector outlook is strong, driven by major projects and global events such as the 2027 Asian Cup, the FIFA World Cup 2034, and World Expo 2030, which is expected to attract 40m visitors and contribute $94.6bn to the Saudi economy. Additionally, the launch of Riyadh Air in 2025 will boost growth with flights to 100-plus destinations across six continents.

Considered ‘The gateway to Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector,’ the Hotel & Hospitality Expo is expected to attract 8,000 industry professionals to network, forge alliances, and explore the latest innovations and excellence across the entire hospitality eco-system. Attendees will also discover the trends and timelines for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality masterplan through expert presentations and panel discussions from C-level executives at Diriyah Company, Marriot International, and Hilton, among others, at the show’s ‘Hospitality Leaders’ Summit.’ The show will also boast the Hotel & Hospitality Awards.

dmg events, is a leading organizer of face-to-face events in the region, has delivered world-class exhibitions in the Kingdom since 2011, leveraging deep regional ties and global expertise to fuel industry growth. “The exhibition industry is inextricably linked to international and domestic business tourism. With over a decade of experience in the Saudi market dmg events is playing its part in driving the hospitality industry,” added Bakshi. “Hotel & Hospitality Expo is in the vanguard of that growth drive.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Hotel & Hospitality Expo.

At AHIF 2024, over $365 million in deals were signed, further solidifying the event’s role as a catalyst for investment across the region

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, February 4, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The Bench (TheBench.com), a global leader in hospitality investment events, is rebranding the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) as Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa). Doing so brings AHIF, Africa’s most influential tourism investment conference, under The Bench’s flagship Future Hospitality Summit, or ‘FHS’ brand, aligning it with FHS Saudi Arabia and the Dubai-based FHS World. This evolution is a response to a growing appetite for hospitality investment spreading across the whole Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

For over a decade, AHIF has shaped Africa’s hospitality industry, bringing together global investors, government leaders, and hotel developers to facilitate high-value deals and meaningful discussions, ranging from investment opportunities to government policy and infrastructure developments. The event has catalysed billions of dollars in investment, strengthened regional partnerships, and provided a dedicated space for investors to unlock opportunities in Africa’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector.

The appetite for hospitality investment in Africa has never been stronger. The continent has a record-breaking pipeline of hotel developments, with over 300,000 new ‘keys’ projected by 2030. Cities like Nairobi, Casablanca, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa are leading this transformation, with Nairobi’s Average Daily Rate (ADR) increasing by 164% and Casablanca’s ADR rising by 141% compared to 2019.

Africa’s post-pandemic recovery has outpaced global expectations, with demand exceeding 2019 levels for nine consecutive months. International arrivals are projected to grow by 6-7% annually, reinforcing Africa’s position as an attractive destinatione for hospitality and tourism investment. At AHIF 2024, over $365 million in deals were signed, further solidifying the event’s role as a catalyst for investment across the region.

With Africa’s investment potential gaining global attention, FHS Africa will provide a focused, high-impact platform

Set to take place from 17-19 June 2025 in Cape Town, FHS Africa will provide a highly curated environment where investors, developers, and industry leaders will engage in forward-looking discussions tailored to the region’s opportunities and challenges. Key themes for 2025 will include:

• Financing Models: Structuring investments to drive sustainable growth in Africa’s evolving markets.
• Sustainable Investment & ESG: Making environmental and social governance a profitable venture rather than a cost.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: Exploring policies and infrastructure advancements that can boost intra-African trade and tourism.
• Branded Residences & Mixed-Use Developments: Understanding the rise of alternative asset classes in hospitality.
• Technology & Innovation: The role of AI, blockchain, and digital transformation in African hospitality.

While FHS Africa remains, the leading event dedicated to Africa’s hospitality sector, its integration into the FHS ecosystem ensures that African stakeholders benefit from increased exposure at FHS World—the largest hospitality investment gathering in the region. This closer connection allows African markets to be positioned within a broader investment context, attracting more international capital, expertise, and strategic collaboration.

With its status as a global hub, Dubai serves as the operational headquarters for many international corporations, including The Bench, and plays a pivotal role in fostering investment into African markets. The city offers over 50 daily flights to major African destinations, enhancing accessibility for investors and business leaders alike. Dubai’s position as a financial and innovation hub makes it an ideal launchpad for deeper engagement with Africa’s growing tourism economy.

The FHS portfolio unites the hospitality sector’s most influential meetings under one roof. By consolidating its flagship events, The Bench enhances the industry’s ability to connect major stakeholders, drive investment, and foster cross-market collaboration. The presence of the world’s leading hotel groups, investment firms, and policymakers at all FHS events underscores its role as the premier hospitality investment network in the region.

“This transformation marks a pivotal moment for The Bench and the African hospitality sector,” said Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench. “With Africa’s investment potential gaining global attention, FHS Africa will provide a focused, high-impact platform, while FHS World ensures that African markets are showcased on the biggest investment stage. The synergy between these events will accelerate deal-making, policy engagement, and long-term industry growth.”

He concluded: “With the launch of FHS Africa in 2025, The Bench is reaffirming its commitment to shaping Africa’s hospitality future through knowledge-sharing, investment facilitation, and strategic partnerships. As the industry continues to evolve, this rebranding ensures that stakeholders receive a more structured, globally integrated experience—designed to unlock Africa’s full potential as the next major frontier for hospitality investment.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.