Isabella Tsepisi of Minor Hotels Talks Luxury Hospitality Expansion, Sustainability, and Saudi Tourism Vision at Future Hospitality Summit 2025

Saturday, June 21, 2025

At the prestigious Future Hospitality Summit 2025 in Saudi Arabia, Isabela Tsepisi, Development & Feasibility at Minor Hotels, Middle East & Africa, Food & Beverage, shared exclusive insights into the company’s regional strategy, brand vision, and the evolving landscape of global tourism.

At the esteemed Future Hospitality Summit 2025 in Saudi Arabia, Isabela Tsepisi, representing Development & Feasibility at Minor Hotels for the Middle East & Africa region, offered valuable insights into the company’s strategic direction and role in shaping the future of global hospitality. Speaking on behalf of one of the world’s fastest-growing hotel groups, she highlighted Minor Hotels’ diverse brand portfolio—ranging from ultra-luxury to upscale and long-stay concepts—and its growing presence across the Middle East.

Tsepisi emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable development, cultural immersion, and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by investing in iconic destinations like Diriyah Gate and NEOM. With over 560 hotels worldwide, Minor Hotels continues to evolve with a future-forward mindset, balancing tradition with innovation. The summit served as a platform to reinforce the group’s regional ambitions, foster new partnerships, and signal its intent to remain at the forefront of hospitality transformation.

A Vision of Tomorrow: Inside the Future Hospitality Summit 2025, Saudi Arabia

In the heart of Saudi Arabia, where innovation meets tradition, the Future Hospitality Summit 2025 unfolded as a landmark gathering of the global travel and tourism elite. Against a backdrop of Riyadh’s fast-transforming skyline and the Kingdom’s bold Vision 2030, the summit pulsed with opportunity, ambition, and renewed purpose.

For three dynamic days, hospitality leaders, investors, developers, and visionaries came together to explore what lies ahead for the industry. Conversations centered on sustainability, tech-driven guest experiences, luxury evolution, and regional investment, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a driving force in redefining global tourism.

Among the standout voices was Isabella Tsepisi from Minor Hotels, who shared the group’s expanding role in the region. With over 560 properties worldwide and brands ranging from the serene luxury of Anantara to the modern comfort of Avani and NH Collection, Minor Hotels is deeply embedded in shaping the Middle East’s hospitality future. Upcoming projects in Diriyah Gate and Trojena in NEOM underscore this commitment, aligning perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions.

But beyond the deals and announcements, what truly set this summit apart was its atmosphere — a rare blend of collaboration, culture, and creativity. From immersive panels to spontaneous networking moments in sunlit courtyards, attendees weren’t just talking about the future — they were building it, together.

For visitors and participants alike, the summit offered more than business insight. It was a cultural journey through a Kingdom in transformation. Evening receptions at heritage venues, glimpses of giga-projects rising from the desert, and the sincere warmth of Saudi hospitality left a lasting impression.

The Future Hospitality Summit 2025 wasn’t just about the next big hotel. It was about reimagining how we travel, connect, and care for the world — all starting from a place deeply rooted in tradition and now boldly reaching for tomorrow.

Saudi Arabia is not just hosting the future of hospitality — it’s becoming the future.

Introducing Minor Hotels: A Global Vision Rooted in Luxury & Culture

“Minor Hotels is part of a larger group called Minor International,” began Tsepisi. “We operate across hotels, food, and lifestyle sectors.” Headquartered in Bangkok, the hospitality group boasts over 560 hotels globally, with properties spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

“We’re in the hotels part of the group,” she added, emphasizing the brand’s robust and continually expanding footprint in global markets.

Sustainability and Diverse Brand Portfolio

When asked about Minor Hotels’ core themes and focus areas, Isabella emphasized a balanced approach, stating, “Sustainability is definitely a big thing for us.” She went on to highlight the group’s eight distinct hotel brands, each tailored to unique markets and demographics.

Here’s a snapshot of their key brands:

• Anantara: The group’s ultra-luxury offering
• Elwana Collection: Lodges and camps across Africa
• Tivoli: Another luxury-focused brand
• Avani: Positioned as upscale and modern
• NH Collection: A European brand expanding rapidly in the Middle East
• NH Business (NH Now): Targeting the lifestyle and business segment
• Oaks: Midscale hotels ideal for long stays

“We have a big range,” she affirmed. “And more to come.”

Saudi Arabia: A Strategic Market for Tourism Investment

With Saudi Arabia rapidly becoming a hospitality hotspot, Tsepisi addressed the country’s shift toward tourism under Vision 2030. “For the past few years, there’s been a big focus on Saudi,” she said. “The country wants to shift focus more toward tourism.”

She unveiled several upcoming projects, including:

• Anantara Diriyah Gate (expected by the end of the decade)
• Trojena in NEOM – a futuristic tourism destination
• “Lots of other discussions happening as well,” she added with enthusiasm.

Purpose at the Future Hospitality Summit 2025

As for Minor Hotels’ presence at the Saudi-hosted event, Tsepisi outlined a strategic dual mission: deal-making and relationship-building.

“We have team members currently in meetings with owners and clients. We’re looking to make new contacts and will also announce new signings tomorrow,” she said, teasing exciting news.

When asked if the company is looking to finalize deals or simply expand its network, she responded, “It’s both. It’s a mix of things.”

The Road Ahead for Minor Hotels

Isabella Tsepisi’s interview paints a picture of a forward-thinking, diversified hospitality group that remains committed to luxury, sustainability, and regional expansion, especially in the Middle East and Africa.

From luxury desert lodges in NEOM to cultural icons in Diriyah, Minor Hotels seems poised to become a vital player in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality renaissance.