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For three decades, Chris Franzen worked at the forefront of the global hospitality boom, managing sprawling portfolios in India and launching ultra-luxury landmarks in the Middle East.But when he took the helm as managing director of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne on April 1, 2024, it wasn’t just a new appointment, it was a homecoming that closed a 30-year circle.Franzen, a third-generation hotelier, has returned to Switzerland with a unique mandate: to apply the agility of the Middle Eastern market and the service ethos of Asia to one of Europe’s most historic alpine destinations. Stepping into the role at Bürgenstock, he sees a seamless transition from his recent tenure opening the Waldorf Astoria Lusail in Qatar.Speaking to *Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Qatar Travel Mart 2025 in Doha on Tuesday, Franzen says, “The managing director role at the Bürgenstock fits perfectly into my career profile because it’s a very international resort”.With a guest list covering the United States, the UK, rising markets in Thailand, and a huge clientele from the Arab world, the demographics mirror the global portfolios he managed in India and the Gulf Cooperation Council region.However, he says the synergy goes deeper than that. The resort is owned by Katara Hospitality, the Qatar-based global hotel owner and developer. Franzen’s extensive experience in Doha, witnessing the city’s meteoric rise from the ‘Old Airport’ era of 2012 to the gleaming metropolis that hosted the 2022 World Cup, gives him a distinct advantage. He speaks the language of the owners, understanding their strategic vision in a way few European managers can.“I’m extremely lucky that I work for Katara Hospitality," Franzen notes, citing their stewardship of iconic assets like the Raffles Singapore and The Savoy Hotel in London. “Having an owner who has a very clear strategy... helps a lot. This money is not invested in a building, it’s invested in brand building”.While Franzen respects the heritage of Swiss hospitality, he is keeping a keen eye on the future. He identifies two diverging trends that will define the next era of the Bürgenstock Resort: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and “well-aging”.Franzen argues that while luxury will always require a high-touch, human element, “looking each other in the eyes”, AI has a critical role to play in the back of house. By automating confirmations and calls, he aims to free up staff to engage more deeply with guests.Simultaneously, he is turning the resort’s wellness strategy toward longevity: “I want to stay away from the word fitness or well-being because it’s overused,” he says. Instead, he envisions the hotel as a sanctuary for an aging, affluent demographic that seeks to age gracefully in a five-star environment.For Franzen, the return to Switzerland was driven by a desire to be closer to his aging parents, but it has sparked a personal rediscovery of his homeland. After years in the flat, arid landscapes of Qatar, where he gave up his passion for motorbiking, the Swiss Alps have reawakened his love for the road.“I didn't realise until I went back how much I missed motorbiking. Sitting on a bike and going up a hill... the fresh air and having a helmet on without having to answer the phone,” he recalls.This appreciation for the seasons, specifically the crisp Swiss autumn, contrasts sharply with the perspective of his peers who never left. Franzen observes a stark difference in mindset between himself and childhood friends who remained in Switzerland.“They have not been exposed to other cultures... their mindset has not changed,” Franzen reflects. “Sometimes I think, wow, I must be much younger than they are. Not physically, but mentally”.Despite his global outlook, Franzen says his leadership style remains rooted in the lessons learned from his father and grandfather. Whether managing 13 hotels in India or a single luxury resort in the Alps, his philosophy focuses on discipline and the democratisation of respect.“For me, it never made a difference how I treat employees or guests if it’s a privately owned hotel or a big corporate chain,” Franzen says. “An employee for me was always a colleague, someone to listen to”. 

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC), Qatar's leading logistics and supply chain provider, and QC+, the Qatari strategy group that develops new pathways for value across hospitality, retail, tourism, and the wider cultural economy, have announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art hub in the Gulf Region for fine art storage and handling.Located in a designated free zone in Doha, the facility will meet rising regional demand for art storage and logistics while contributing to Qatar's 2030 National Vision by expanding high-value economic activity in the creative and cultural industries.Acting Group CEO of GWC Matthew Kearns, said: "With over 15 years of experience in fine art logistics and as the first Middle East-based company accredited by ICEFAT, GWC brings proven expertise to this partnership. Combined with Qatar's vision for cultural and economic diversification, this project represents a new benchmark for integrated art infrastructure and creative economy growth in the region."CEO of QC+ Kirstin Mearns, said: "The Gulf is no longer an emerging market for art. It is a global player, as demonstrated by the announcement of Art Basel Qatar. QC+ and GWC will use our combined expertise to provide innovative and industry-leading fine art logistics solutions. This collaboration reinforces Qatar's position as a global centre for culture and creativity, and for the commercial infrastructure that supports both."The Doha facility will provide museum-grade preservation, secure storage, and professional care for artworks and cultural assets, supported by a conservation laboratory, private and shared storage spaces, viewing rooms, and custom-bonded areas for art logistics and handling.It will also include learning and collaboration zones designed to advance local expertise in art preservation and management. The facility will also benefit from its proximity to Hamad International Airport, a major international transit hub and one of the largest airports in the region, designed to handle a high volume of passenger traffic and cargo from around the world.The project aligns with Qatar's growing role as host to major cultural events, including Art Basel Qatar in February 2026, and will further connect Qatar's creative economy with the world.

Doha’s hospitality market remains “stable” as tourism demand remains robust in 2025 with steady growth, especially in the leisure and staycation, which hold considerable untapped potential, according to KPMG in Qatar.Post-2022, the market stabilised with ADR (average daily rate) and RevPAR (revenue per available room) remaining above pre-World Cup levels amid steady growth in visitor arrivals, KPMG in Qatar said in its latest report.“Qatar’s hospitality sector rebounded steadily post-pandemic, supported by new events, attractions, and tourism initiatives,” the report said.As of YTD (year-to-date) August 2025, occupancy stands at about 69%, ADR at QR429, and RevPAR at QR300, reflecting a resilient performance, it said, adding Qatar’s hospitality sector continues to sustain “strong” momentum.February posted the strongest results, with occupancy at 82.5% and ADR at QR490, driven by favourable winter weather and major events such as the Global Champions Arabians Tour and the Web Summit.January and April also benefited from the pleasant climate, sustaining occupancy levels above 76%, it said, adding March saw the sharpest dip, with occupancy falling to 52.3% and ADR to QR369, reflecting muted demand during Ramadan, when shorter business hours and fewer leisure activities typically curb travel.From May to August, the market cooled, with RevPAR easing to QR243 in August, reflecting the off-peak summer period when high temperatures typically reduce travel in the region.KPMG in Qatar said tourism today is no longer defined by a single experience but by a spectrum of segments that cater to different traveller motivations. From sports and eco-conscious tourism to adventure, heritage, leisure, and staycations, the sector is evolving to meet diverse preferences, it said.“These segments collectively strengthen Qatar’s positioning as a diverse, year-round destination, appealing to international, regional, and domestic travellers,” it said.On leisure and staycation, it said such developments bring year-round demand drivers that balance Qatar’s tourism sector, particularly during weekends, holidays, and off-peak seasons, ensuring steadier performance.“The segment holds considerable untapped potential, especially through developing tailored staycation packages for international tourists and residents, families, couples, and young professionals, while also diversifying experiences beyond accommodation,” it said.By integrating wellness, recreation, dining, entertainment, adventure, and cultural activities into staycation offerings, Qatar can elevate these short breaks into comprehensive lifestyle experiences that strengthen domestic and regional demand, according to KPMG in Qatar.Qatar is positioned to spearhead new projects and initiatives that align with the latest trends shaping the hospitality and tourism sector, it said, highlighting The West Bay Beaches and Al Safliya Island Development project.By integrating entertainment and hospitality into a single destination and delivering it through a PPP (public private partnership) model, the project aligns with global trends of diversified tourism development supported by private investment, it said.“The West Bay Beaches and Al Safliya Island developments go beyond tourism, creating wide-ranging impacts across human, social, economic, and environmental dimensions. By enhancing quality of life, strengthening cultural identity, diversifying the economy, and embedding sustainability, they contribute directly to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030,” the report said.

A two-day cultural event celebrating Qatar's rich heritage and artistic identity kicked off today in Switzerland, offering visitors a curated immersion into Qatari culture, tradition, and creativity. Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Katara Hospitality, the event marks the launch of a broader initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Qatar's cultural heritage on the global stage. Through this initiative, Qatari culture becomes an elegant guest within Katara Hospitality's luxury properties worldwide, blending authentic traditions with refined hospitality and contemporary artistic expression. The opening day was dedicated to VIPs and official guests, while the second day will be open to the public, allowing a wider audience to engage with Qatari heritage in an immersive cultural setting. The Ministry of Culture explained that the event provides a multisensory experience, featuring rare manuscripts, traditional books, artworks, cultural artifacts, and fragrances. Visitors can also enjoy live folk performances and sample authentic Qatari cuisine, offering a comprehensive view of Qatar's civilizational depth and its successful fusion of heritage and modernity. Speaking at the inauguration, His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, expressed pride in the partnership with Katara Hospitality. This collaboration reflects Qatar's belief that culture is a bridge for dialogue and a window to the world, he said. This initiative embodies a living dialogue between Qatar's deep-rooted heritage and contemporary artistic expression. It is a call for intercultural exchange and a celebration of beauty in all its forms, he added. Al Ali emphasized the Ministry's strong commitment to promoting Qatari culture in international forums, thanking the working teams from both sides for creating a holistic cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression. Meanwhile, CEO of Katara Hospitality, Fahad Abdullah Al Mana, echoed this sentiment, expressing honor to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture to present this unique cultural event in Switzerland. "Hosting it at Burgenstock, one of our most iconic destinations, reflects the premium value Katara Hospitality places on cultural diplomacy." He added that Katara Hospitality sees its role not merely as a provider of luxury accommodation but as a platform for cultural storytelling. "Our mission is to present Qatari culture to the world as it is — authentic, beautiful, and inclusive. This is not about influencing other cultures, but about offering a genuine encounter that touches the senses and enriches the soul." He noted that the initiative plants cultural seeds that will remain in the hearts of visitors long after they leave, ensuring that Qatar's story continues through human connection and shared memory. His Excellency Qatar's Ambassador to Switzerland, Mohammed bin Jaham Al Kuwari, described the event as more than just a cultural showcase. This is a reflection of Qatar's deep commitment to culture as a bridge between peoples and civilizations, His Excellency said. His Excellency the Ambassador emphasized that for Qatar, development is incomplete without cultural prosperity. Culture is the soul of nations and their living memory, he added, highlighting that Doha has become a global hub for intellectual and cultural dialogue, a beacon of creativity and exchange. Al Kuwari stressed that in a world facing growing challenges, culture remains a powerful unifier. "Qatar rejects the logic of conflict and consistently advocates for dialogue and diversity, believing that culture can achieve what politics often cannot." He concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Culture's dedication to spreading authentic Qatari culture globally and noted the many groundbreaking initiatives the ministry has launched over the past years to fulfill this mission.

Qatar’s hospitality sector, the present supply of which stands at 41,463 rooms, is on track to reach a total of more than 44,500 keys by 2027 as the country’s tourism remains “buoyant”, according to Knight Frank, a London-based global property consultant.Qatar’s hospitality sector added 718 hotel rooms in the first half (H1) of 2025, taking total supply to 41,463 rooms. Approximately 60% of this supply consists of international branded hotels, Knight Frank said in its latest report.“Now recognised as a leading regional lifestyle and leisure destination, Qatar is on track to reach 44,562 hotel rooms by the end of 2027, in line with the government’s national tourism strategy,” it added.In terms of performance metrics, the hotel sector has remained broadly “stable” over the past 12 months, it said, adding occupancy rates edged up to 70.7%, a modest 0.3% year-on-year increase, indicating steady demand.The ADR (average daily rate), however, softened slightly by 0.2%, to QR454. Nevertheless, RevPAR (revenue per available room) increased by 2.9%, reaching QR321, “signalling moderate but sustained profitability” within the sector, according to Knight Frank.Finding that the supply of rooms continues to expand, though at a more measured pace than the pre-2022 FIFA World Cup years; it said after adding 718 rooms in the first half of 2025, following the 1,020 keys added in 2024, the total supply has now reached 41,463 rooms.Occupancy has continued to grow across all segments, despite a slight increase in supply, driven by demand from regional tourists and business travellers, said Oussama El Kadiri, Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Advisory, Knight Frank. The report said the midscale and upscale segments of the hotel market remain the most active, driven by solid demand from regional tourists and business travellers.Meanwhile, upcoming mega events and enhanced air connectivity - courtesy of Qatar Airways - continue to boost international tourism sentiment.Additionally, the country’s commitment to diversifying tourism experiences through luxury shopping destinations, cultural hubs like Msheireb and Katara, and the active promotion of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) is further solidifying its position as a competitive hospitality hub in the region, it said.The strong regional and international footfall underpins Qatar’s strategic goal to diversify its economy and expand its non-oil sectors, the report said.The hospitality sector continued to demonstrate resilience, although there has been a marginal 0.2% dip in international arrivals year-on-year as of June 2025.Total visitor numbers reached about 2.63mn, down slightly from 2.64mn the same period in 2024. Nevertheless, the broader tourism landscape “remains healthy”, following a significant 24.6% surge in visitors in 2024, reaching 5.05mn, up from 4mn in 2023, according to the report.“This surge can be attributed to Qatar’s expanding global air connectivity through Qatar Airways, increased regional promotional campaigns, and the continued development of cultural, retail, and sports tourism offerings,” Knight Frank said.