Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Travel And Tour World had the opportunity to interview Gregory Lanter, the Chief Development & Construction Officer at Club Med, during the Future Hospitality Summit 2025 in Saudi Arabia. Gregory, who is also a member of the Executive Committee at Club Med, oversees global development, construction, and property for the company, with teams located in Miami, Paris, Singapore, and Shanghai. Under his leadership, Club Med has expanded to nearly 70 resorts globally.
Why is the Future Hospitality Summit Important for Club Med?
When asked about the importance of the Future Hospitality Summit, Gregory shared that Saudi Arabia has been on Club Med’s radar for a while now. He expressed how impressed they are by the transformations happening in the country, particularly in terms of its growing focus on tourism development. Gregory emphasized that Club Med, as a pioneer in the tourism industry for over 75 years, is excited about the growth prospects in Saudi Arabia and the potential for fitting Club Med resorts into the country’s evolving tourism landscape.
Club Med: A Heritage Brand with a Rich History
Gregory then delved into the rich history of Club Med, highlighting that the company is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. He noted that Club Med was the inventor of the all-inclusive concept in the tourism industry, a model that has now become widespread. Gregory also highlighted the company’s pioneering role in launching resorts in destinations around the world, including Cancun, Mauritius, Phuket, and the Maldives, where it was often the first international operator in those regions.
He shared that Club Med’s mission is to continue setting trends in the tourism and hospitality industry, with a focus on expanding into new, beautiful destinations that will define the next era of global tourism development. As the company looks ahead, Gregory mentioned that they are exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region, with a vision to build resorts in some of the most breathtaking locations in the world.
Future of Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Gregory also expressed his excitement about the opportunities in Saudi Arabia, noting the “major changes” happening in the country towards tourism. He believes that Club Med’s philosophy aligns perfectly with the current tourism vision of Saudi Arabia, and the brand is eager to contribute to the country’s tourism development. Gregory explained that they are working on projects that will continue to set the standard for the next 75 years of global tourism, not just for Club Med, but for the wider hospitality industry.
He concluded by saying that as soon as there are updates on these developments, they will ensure that the public and stakeholders are kept informed. The excitement at the summit, Gregory noted, was palpable, and it was clear that everyone at the event was eager to be part of the transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.
Takeaways from the Interview
- Club Med’s Vision for Saudi Arabia: Club Med sees a bright future in Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth, with exciting opportunities on the horizon.
- Club Med’s Legacy: As a pioneer in the tourism industry, Club Med’s heritage spans 75 years, and the company continues to shape the future of global tourism with its all-inclusive resort model.
- Sustainable Development: Club Med is committed to sustainable tourism and aims to set the standard for the next 75 years, with new resorts planned in some of the most beautiful locations globally.
Saudi Arabia’s Future Hospitality Summit 2025 Sets Bold New Course for Global Travel and Tourism
The world of travel and hospitality just experienced a seismic shift—and it happened in Riyadh. The Future Hospitality Summit 2025 didn’t just bring people together. It sparked conversations, built partnerships, and set a visionary course for the future of global tourism.
Held at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, the summit brought together more than 1,000 global leaders, including CEOs, investors, tourism ministers, and hoteliers from across the world. The atmosphere was electric, charged with purpose. The theme? “Where Vision Shapes Opportunity.” And that’s exactly what played out.
Over three days, Riyadh transformed into a think tank for the hospitality industry. From sustainability to AI integration, from destination investment to next-gen travel trends, the summit wasn’t just about where the industry is—it was about where it’s going. Attendees engaged in over 12 content tracks and explored the future of branded residences, climate resilience, and talent development.
But what made FHS 2025 truly unforgettable was its emphasis on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The kingdom’s bold ambition to add over 360,000 hotel rooms and position itself as a global tourism hub was a dominant conversation driver. Local workforce development was also front and center, with Saudization in hospitality reaching 45%, proving progress and commitment.
The launch of new platforms like the NextGen Investment Forum and the Startup Den gave rising stars a global stage. These weren’t just side events—they were indicators that the industry is evolving fast and inclusive of new voices.
FHS 2025 wasn’t just a summit—it was a moment. A bold declaration that the future of hospitality is no longer confined to traditional models. It’s regional. It’s visionary. And it’s already taking off.
Club Med: Redefining Luxury Travel with Soul and Sustainability
When you think of a dream vacation, it likely involves turquoise waters, snow-covered slopes, or exotic escapes with everything taken care of. That dream? It’s called Club Med.
For 75 years, Club Med has been more than a resort—it’s been a lifestyle. From its roots in the French Riviera to mountain peaks in the Alps and remote islands in Asia, the brand has pioneered the all-inclusive travel experience with flair, heart, and innovation.
In 2024, Club Med proved it’s not just staying relevant—it’s thriving. With over €2 billion in business volume, record-breaking occupancy, and more than 1.5 million global guests, the brand is writing a new chapter—one focused on premium, sustainable, and immersive travel.
What makes Club Med stand out is its ability to blend comfort with culture. Whether you’re ziplining in Bali, skiing in Val Thorens, or watching elephants on a South African safari (coming in 2026), every experience is crafted with emotional connection and environmental mindfulness.
The resorts have evolved too. Forget the buffet lines and basic rooms of the past—today’s Club Med offers upgraded premium spaces, wellness spas, chef-curated dining, and even eco-conscious activities like stargazing, wildlife conservation walks, and local artisan workshops.
Tech-savvy travelers will also love the brand’s digital transformation—think wristbands for cashless experiences, personalized itineraries, and app-based concierge services.
With its expansion in Asia-Pacific and deepening focus on sustainability, Club Med isn’t just growing—it’s transforming the future of leisure travel. It offers not just a place to stay, but a way to feel more connected, more relaxed, and more inspired.
For today’s global explorers craving experience over excess, connection over convenience, Club Med is more than a resort. It’s a return to what travel is meant to be: freeing, fulfilling, and unforgettable.
