How to balance exceptional festive dining, sustainability and technology

In his position as the F&B Vice President of the Shangri-La Group, Smith utilises his vast expertise to further elevate the brand. His deep comprehension of the hospitality domain, combined with unmatched leadership flair, firmly places him as an influential trailblazer on the global stage.

Here, we catch up with him about the emerging festive dining trends in the hospitality industry, the creative festive concepts Shangri-La Group is introducing for the season and the incorporation of sustainability and technology into dining experiences.

Festive dining trends and concepts

He said: “The festive dining landscape in the hospitality industry is witnessing a steady shift towards luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, underscored by sophisticated colour schemes and a growing emphasis on health and wellness.

“At Shangri-La, we’re embracing these trends through our global brand campaign ‘Enchanted Wonders,’ inspiring guests to discover unique, paradise-like experiences that resonate with their own personal aspirations. Our festive dining settings, such as at Shangri-La Paris, are adorned with elegant gold, bronze, and deep green hues, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that’s perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.”

Family-centric experiences are at the heart of festive offerings at Shangri-La. Understanding that the holiday experience begins with travel, the hotel;s provide comprehensive services like limo transfers from the airport to the hotel, ensuring a luxurious start to any festive celebrations.

Sustainability is also a key focus. In line with the group’s ‘Rooted in Nature’ initiative, it prioritises locally sourced, organic ingredients, supporting local communities and reducing environmental impact. For instance, at Shangri-La Dubai, the majority of fruits and vegetables come from sustainable sources within the GCC, while seafood is predominantly sourced from sustainable local markets.

Smith explained how consumer behaviour has influenced the planning and execution of festive dining experiences at Shangri-La properties.

“Shangri-La has strategically adapted our festive dining experiences to align with the changing preferences and expectations of our guests,” he says. “We’ve witnessed a growing demand for personalised, culturally immersive experiences, and our offerings have been tailored to meet these desires.

“A key adjustment is our emphasis on local culinary traditions. Each Shangri-La property offers a festive dining experience designed to resonate with the local culture and culinary heritage, catering to area-centric guest preferences while providing international visitors with a unique and insightful taste of each destination.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of our adjustments. Modern consumers increasingly demand environmentally responsible practices, and we’ve responded by integrating sustainable approaches into our festive offerings. Technology also plays a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience. We’ve leveraged digital platforms for reservations and personalised guest interactions to ensure our guests a seamless and efficient dining experience.”

Shangri-La Dubai is preparing for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests can enjoy a blend of Arabian and international flavours, culminating in a breath-taking view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks display, a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Our afternoon tea offerings in London, Istanbul, Dubai, and New Delhi are each uniquely festive yet localised, providing an easily accessible traditional experience with a Christmas twist. These festive concepts at Shangri-La are not just about dining; they’re about creating luxurious legacies and moments of bliss’, Smith said.

Elevating customer experiences

“This season, we’re featuring beverages that blend traditional holiday flavours with a modern flair,” Smith said. “We’re also focusing on playful pairings, like our cocktails matched with snacks such as churros shaped like Christmas canes. This approach not only enhances the flavours but also adds some fun to the dining experience.

“In response to the growing trend of seasonable drinking, we offer cocktails designed for longer enjoyment. These low-alcohol beverages allow our guests to savour their drinks at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the festive atmosphere without overindulging.”

Sustainability and technology

At Shangri-La, sustainability is also a core value. Smith said: “We are committed to eco-friendly practices, from sourcing ingredients to minimising waste, ensuring that our celebrations are vibrant and responsible.

“Our ‘Rooted in Nature’ initiative is central to this commitment. We prioritise locally sourced, organic ingredients in our festive menus, supporting local farmers and producers while reducing our carbon footprint. This approach not only ensures the highest standards of freshness and quality but also helps preserve local culinary traditions and biodiversity.

“We are also focused on reducing waste in our kitchens. Our chefs are trained in sustainable cooking practices, using every ingredient efficiently and creatively. We’re innovating in menu planning, finding new ways to repurpose ingredients and reduce food waste. Additionally, we’re implementing measures like composting organic waste and recycling.

“A significant step towards sustainability is our initiative to eliminate single-use plastics. We have successfully removed all plastic packaging and working on the full removal of single-use plastics from our operations, to reduce our environmental impact. We’re also introducing innovative solutions like Orbisk from the Netherlands, an AI-based machine that measures waste to reduce production at the source. We’re determined to exceed our carbon and energy targets and believe in celebrating the festive season in a way that honours our planet and supports our communities.” .

Shangri-La is also embracing technology, with innovations such as an advanced reservation system that allows hotels to gather guest preferences and special requests in advance, simplifying the booking process and tailoring the dining experience to each guest’s tastes.

Smith adds: “We’re also leveraging digital platforms to engage with our guests more effectively. Our properties use social media and email marketing to keep guests informed about special festive menus, events, and offers.

“In terms of guest interactions, we’ve integrated solutions like Kipsu, a real-time engagement platform. It allows our guests to communicate with our staff via text messaging and other digital channels, so we can meet their needs promptly and efficiently. It also enhances communication, by overcoming language barriers, and removes the hassle and time spent making calls and waiting for responses.

“Furthermore, we’re exploring innovative technologies like augmented reality [AR] to create immersive dining experiences. AR menus that bring dishes to life and interactive table displays add a magical touch to the festive atmosphere, making dining at Shangri-La a truly unique experience.”