TELL US ABOUT PEACE CITY . WORLD AND ITS VISION FOR SMART, SUSTAINABLE CITIES. HOW DOES IT DIFFERENTIATE ITSELF FROM OTHER URBAN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES?
Peace City World is a Master Development company based in the United Kingdom. We unites the world - through stakeholders in Peace City and Peace Village developments. Joining National, Regional and Local Governments together with Corporations, Investors, and Global Citizens - to create a collaborative platform for Sustainable Economic Stimulus and Social Peace through development. Peace City World supports and unites people, accepts all religions, races and cultures. We are non-political and do not attach ourselves to politicians or political parties. We align our developments to address All of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. We focus beyond building to how will people’s lives be enhanced, what jobs will they do, and how will they compete in the modern world. Peace City World is a macro development platform inviting global participation, uniting people, creating economic peace, and an opportunity for investors and participants to “Profit from doing good”.
IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT ARE THE NEXT BIG TRENDS OR SHIFTS IN SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND THE HOTEL & RESORTS INDUSTRY?
Hotels must offer experiences, and be sustainable development’s that are environmentally friendly, economically prosperous, socially equitable, and technologically advanced. Such hotels prioritize green spaces, efficient public transportation, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure to enhance the quality of stays for guests while reducing the environmental footprint.
In the hotel and resort industry, trends include:
- Eco-friendly and sustainable hotel design and operations.
- Health and wellness-focused amenities.
- Integration of technology for personalized guest experiences.
- Sustainable food and beverage practices.
Differentiating factors often include unique approaches to guest services, innovative technology integration, community engagement, and a commitment to achieving specific sustainability goals.
HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE FUTURE OF SMART, SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND THEIR ROLE IN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT?
Smart, sustainable cities are likely to play a crucial role in global development by serving as models for efficient resource use, economic growth, and improved quality of life. They can attract talent, investments, and innovation, contributing to regional and global progress.
Some emerging trends in sustainable urban development include:
- Circular economy principles for resource efficiency.
- Increased use of renewable energy sources.
- Integration of smart city technologies for efficient resource management.
- Focus on resilient and adaptable urban planning to combat climate change.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE INTERPLAY BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES AND THE EVOLVING EXPECTATIONS OF TRAVELLERS AND GUESTS?
Travelers are increasingly looking for eco-conscious and socially responsible travel options. Sustainable practices in the hospitality industry, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and local community engagement, align with these evolving expectations.
HOW DO YOU VIEW BAHRAIN'S POSITION IN THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF INITIATIVES LIKE PEACE CITY . WORLD?
Bahrain's position in the global landscape of sustainable urban development would depend on its specific initiatives, investments, and commitments. It could potentially serve as a model for sustainable development in the Gulf region.
Bahrain’s 2030 vision of Sustainability, Competitiveness, and Fairness are aligned with Peace City World’s mission and the UN-SDG’s.
GIVEN YOUR VAST EXPERIENCE IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE THE GROWTH AND CHALLENGES OF BAHRAIN'S TOURISM AND HOTEL SECTOR?
The growth of Bahrain's tourism and hotel sector can be influenced by factors such as infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and geopolitical stability. Challenges may include competition from neighbouring countries and economic fluctuations. Bahrain must find it’s unique selling points, and focus targeting specific market segments that other GCC countries are missing.
FROM A BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE, WHAT UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED WHILE WORKING OR COLLABORATING IN BAHRAIN, COMPARED TO OTHER REGIONS?
Bahrain's strategic location, business-friendly policies, and diversification efforts can create opportunities for foreign investments and collaborations in sectors like urban development and hospitality. The Bahraini people are nice, naturally hospitable, and open and willing to work in all segments of business.
BAHRAIN HAS MADE STRIDES IN DIVERSIFYING ITS ECONOMY AND BOOSTING SECTORS LIKE TOURISM, REAL ESTATE, AND FINANCE. HOW DO YOU SEE THIS AFFECTING THE HOTEL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRIES IN THE COMING YEARS?
Economic diversification can lead to increased investments in real estate, infrastructure, and tourism, positively impacting the hotel and urban development industries in Bahrain. The Middle East region is riding a wave of economic stimulus – so, Bahrain must create unique and competitive development projects to get noticed to attract direct foreign investments.
BAHRAIN HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN ADOPTING SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES. IN YOUR PERSPECTIVE, HOW CAN ORGANIZATIONS LIKE PEACE CITY . WORLD COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL ENTITIES TO FURTHER THESE GOALS?
Collaborations between organizations like PEACE CITY . WORLD and local entities can involve knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and joint initiatives to address sustainability challenges in Bahrain.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS, LIKE THAT BETWEEN GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS AND BAHRAINI INSTITUTIONS, IN ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN BAHRAIN?
International collaborations can bring expertise, funding, and best practices to sustainable urban development projects in Bahrain, accelerating progress toward sustainability goals.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC PROJECTS OR COLLABORATIONS THAT YOU'VE BEEN A PART OF OR ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN BAHRAIN?
I first visited Bahrain about 20 years ago, and have seen the great changes taking place over that time. Peace City World are currently in confidential discussion for a development in Bahrain…we would love to be part of the nations development and improve lives, create jobs, and sustainable economic development.
GIVEN THE RICH CULTURAL HISTORY OF BAHRAIN, HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS MAINTAIN A BALANCE BETWEEN MODERNIZATION AND PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE?
Preserving Bahrain's cultural heritage alongside modernization is crucial. This can be achieved through careful planning, adaptive reuse of historic sites, and community involvement in decision-making. Culture is an experience for visitors, investors, and identity so it must be included as factors of development.
BAHRAIN, BEING A PART OF THE GULF REGION, HAS ITS UNIQUE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DYNAMICS. HOW DO THESE REGIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCE YOUR STRATEGIES, ESPECIALLY IN SECTORS LIKE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOSPITALITY?
Socio-economic dynamics in the Gulf region can influence strategies by considering factors like market demand, regulatory frameworks, and geopolitical stability. Bahrain is a safe, and welcoming country with lots to offer. It has legal protection, educated workforce, a highly establish banking platform, beautiful beaches and islands, it simply needs to find its niche…there is no reason Bahrain can’t be a regional Singapore for business and trade, and compete with global tourist destinations in Asia, and Europe.
FINALLY, IN YOUR VIEW, HOW DOES BAHRAIN'S VISION FOR THE FUTURE ALIGN WITH GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, AND HOW CAN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THIS JOURNEY?
I think Bahrain's vision for the future does align with global sustainable development goals by integrating sustainability into policy, investment, and infrastructure planning. Experienced professionals can contribute by sharing knowledge and best practices. Peace City World can support Bahrain by creating a macro new Peace City in Bahrain, connecting it to the world, inviting technology, foreign direct investments and global participation.
I look forward to visiting Bahrain in November to participate in Cityscape and support the good trends happening in the country.
John Mavrak's insights feel like a breath of fresh air in our rapidly urbanizing world. His passion for creating sustainable spaces paints a hopeful picture for our cities' futures. As we navigate the challenges of urban development, it's reassuring to have thinkers like Mavrak guiding the way. His message? Let's ensure our future cities echo with sustainability, embrace everyone, and foster a sense of global community.
