Invest in Our Future: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Industry | By Elyza Falzon

The theme for the Future Hospitality Summit - FHS World 2024, taking place from 30 September -2 October at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai is ‘Invest in Our Future’. The conference programme will comprise numerous content tracks under the main theme including Investment & Development;, Destination & Urban Development; People, Planet, Profit; Tech & Innovation; and Real Estate Hotelisation. In the lead up to the event we asked several industry partners about how they’re investing in the future in 2024 and beyond.

In an era where the future of our industry hinges on innovation and responsibility, the theme “Invest in Our Future” could not be more relevant. As design and construction teams navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, focusing on two crucial areas will shape a prosperous and sustainable tomorrow: guiding owners and developers toward sustainable designs and fostering diversity within our workforce. Addressing these themes ensures that our industry thrives as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.

Guiding Owners and Developers: The Case for Sustainable Investment

Project teams bear a significant responsibility in guiding owners and developers toward sustainable practices. We must provide compelling, data-driven arguments that highlight the short and long-term benefits of early investment in sustainability. Simply adhering to industry standards is no longer enough; we must advocate for and implement innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiencies and asset value over time.

Sustainable practices in design and construction are not only ethical choices—they are also financially prudent. Investing early in green technologies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials can lower operational costs, reduce environmental impact, and increase asset value. For instance, integrating renewable energy sources and high-performance building systems can lead to substantial savings on energy bills and maintenance, contributing to improved financial performance.

Hilton’s research into 2025 travel trends found that 84% of UAE residents feel that minimizing environmental impact while traveling is important. As global environmental awareness grows, the demand for sustainable properties rises, too. At Hilton, we aim to respond to these demands and serve as good stewards of the destinations where we operate, guided by our ‘Travel with Purpose’ ESG strategy.

Developers and operators who prioritise sustainability can attract environmentally conscious guests, tenants, or buyers, enhancing their market position. Thus, project teams must present a strong commercial case for these investments, showing not just immediate benefits but long-term value.

Our role extends beyond implementation. We must engage stakeholders to communicate the advantages of sustainability and offer actionable insights for decision-making. By doing so, we ensure that our projects not only meet current standards but also set new benchmarks for excellence.

Fostering Diversity: Investing in the Next Generation

Equally crucial is our commitment to fostering diversity within the industry. Traditionally male-dominated, the design and construction industry urgently needs to open doors for young female talent. Investing in a diverse workforce is not just about fairness; it drives innovation and enhances our industry’s capabilities.

To build a more inclusive industry, we must actively seek out, support, and sponsor emerging female professionals. This involves creating mentorship opportunities, providing access to career development resources, and promoting gender diversity in leadership roles – key focus areas for us at Hilton. By nurturing young female talent, we ensure that future leaders bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.

Supporting female talent also means addressing biases and systemic barriers that hinder their advancement. It requires a concerted effort to counteract unconscious biases in hiring, offer equal career advancement opportunities, and foster a supportive environment where diverse voices are valued.

Investing in diversity enriches our industry with a variety of viewpoints and experiences that drive creativity and problem-solving. Diverse teams are better equipped to understand and meet global client needs and are more likely to generate innovative solutions that propel the industry forward.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the theme “Invest in Our Future,” it is evident that our commitment to sustainability and diversity will shape the industry’s trajectory. Guiding owners and developers toward sustainable practices builds a foundation for long-term success and environmental stewardship. Fostering diversity and supporting the next generation of female leaders creates a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive industry.

Moving forward requires dedication and collaboration. We must advocate for these principles and actively implement them in our practices and decision-making processes. Embrace this challenge with resolve and optimism, knowing that our investments today will yield a brighter, more sustainable, and equitable future for our industry.