Hospitality & Tourism Leadership Talks: A Conversation with Haitham Mattar

At ATM 2025, Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC at Visa, sat down with Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, for an insightful conversation as part of the Hospitality and Tourism Leadership Talks.

Their discussion centered on the evolving landscape of consumer behavior in an increasingly fast-paced world. They explored how real-time data is crucial for understanding guest preferences and adapting hotel operations accordingly — from how consumers interact within hotels to how emerging trends are shaping the very design of new properties.

Mattar highlighted the growing demand for luxury lifestyle experiences and the expectation for seamless digital conveniences, such as mobile apps for services. He also emphasized the critical role digital payments play in enhancing the overall guest experience, noting how they have become deeply integrated into the hospitality industry.

Additionally, they discussed approaches for building lasting customer loyalty, leveraging data-driven insights to better meet guests’ needs and deliver exceptional, personalized experiences that keep them coming back.

For more insights, watch the full interview.