FIBO meets Riyadh

International

FIBO meets Riyadh

‘FIBO meets Riyadh’ pop-up bridges the gap between hospitality and fitness industrie

The intersection of fitness, wellness, and hospitality took centre stage at the FIBO meets Riyadh pop-up event, held on 27 January at Core Riyadh – a lifestyle destination that embodies luxury, innovation, and community.

The exclusive, invitation-only gathering welcomed senior hospitality leaders from across Saudi Arabia, global fitness equipment and solutions providers, and representatives from the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Organised by FIBO Global Fitness, the world’s leading trade fair for fitness, wellness, and health, and co-hosted by Black Coral Consulting and YP Business Consulting, the event provided a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing and networking.

With the theme focused on monetising fitness and wellness spaces within the hospitality industry, experts explored how the two sectors can align to meet evolving consumer demands, drive revenue, and enhance guest experiences.

Discussions covered industry trends and innovations, the growing appetite for transformational wellbeing experiences, and strategies to position gyms and wellness spaces as commercial assets rather than operational afterthoughts.

Florian Brauer, Senior Global Brand Manager at FIBO Global Fitness, emphasised the opportunity for synergy between fitness and hospitality, particularly in rapidly expanding markets like Saudi Arabia. “FIBO’s vision is to build a strong fitness industry and a healthier society. With new hotels and resorts opening at an unprecedented pace in the Kingdom, now is the time to integrate high-quality wellness experiences into hospitality offerings,” he said.

In her keynote address, Judith Cartwright, Founder and Managing Director of Black Coral Consulting, highlighted the potential of fitness venues as revenue-generating centres: “Hotels need to shift their mindset – fitness facilities should be embedded into their commercial strategies. They should not only enhance guest experiences but also attract local paying members, transforming gyms into social and lifestyle hubs.”

Yves Preissler, Owner of YP Business Consulting, addressed emerging trends in fitness and wellness venue design. Reflecting on the event’s location, he noted, “Core Riyadh exemplifies the future of fitness-integrated hospitality. It’s not just a gym – it’s a holistic lifestyle space where exercise, relaxation, dining, and community seamlessly converge.”

Attendees were also introduced to FIBO 2025 in Cologne (10-13 April), which will feature a dedicated hospitality track, further strengthening the dialogue between the sectors.

Looking ahead, the launch of FIBO Saudi, set to take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from 1-3 October 2025, was announced at the pop-up. This inaugural exhibition will serve as a key platform for regional and international companies to connect with potential partners and clients in the Kingdom’s thriving fitness and hospitality landscape.