According to data from Dubai-based research company Proleads, there are likely to be 48 new hotels with 14,178 rooms opening in the GCC in 2010, at an estimated cost of $7.3 billion.
The figures are as impressive as they are daunting if it were not for the extraordinary data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently. The report revealed that the Middle East had the strongest growth at 25.8 per cent in February, compared to a world average of 9.5 per cent growth over the same month in 2009.
As air travel increases and hotels continue to be developed in the Middle East, The Hotel Show 2010 is ideally placed to help the hospitality and leisure industry capitalise on this regional trend.
The Hotel Show, the region’s premier trade show set to take place next month, will welcome hundreds of exhibitors proving a sustained resilience to the economic climate in this region.
“As the world begins to recover from the economic downturn and people begin to travel again, this year’s Hotel Show marks an important step for the industry,” said Ray Tinston, Sales Director, The Hotel Show. “The latest industry figures show this region has not been hit as hard as others and as such it offers great potential to the many international firms looking to promote their goods.”
The Hotel Show 2010 will take place across halls two to seven at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 18-20 May and will showcase the latest products, services, technology and security for the hospitality and leisure sector.
It will see exhibitors from 32 countries, the United Arab Emirates heads a list that also includes companies from Thailand, Cyprus, Lebanon, Hong Kong, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Egypt, the United States, Portugal and Germany.
“Research from last year’s event showed that 83 per cent of visitors would, or were likely to, place an order as a direct result of The Hotel Show, amounting to potential revenue of almost $10 billion, proving that the exhibition continues to attract new business in all climates. We hope to build on this, this year and expand The Hotel Show over the next decade,” said Tinston.
The sectors are:
• Interiors & Design for furniture, furnishings, accessories and design services, incorporating the new Haute’l feature. This will include products for the top end of the hospitality market.
• Operating Equipment & Supplies will include the best food and beverage, housekeeping and back of house product and equipment. It will also feature the Corporate Catwalk showcasing hospitality uniforms and corporate workwear alongside the Student Design Award presenting entries from local universities.
• Security & Technology is a section that continues to grow as the importance of technology within hotels increases. Advances in in-room technology will feature along with technological innovations and the importance of energy conservation and waste reduction.
• The Resort Experience will cover all things outdoor including; furniture, accessories and design. The Hotel Show 2010 will see the return of the highly acclaimed Middle East Spa Summit, addressing issues and trends in spa treatments as well as design, environmental impact, human resources, management and operations topics. Spa equipment and supplies will therefore take a more prominent position in the Resort Experience.
The Seven Star Conference, now firmly established as the most important event on the hospitality calendar, will once again run alongside The Hotel Show. With the economic climate still at the forefront of the hospitality industry, speakers will discuss topics such as Strategic Marketing for Destinations, Staff Retention and Motivation in Hotels and Marketing in Difficult Times.
Dubai-based celebrity designer Zain Mustafa will also discuss the importance housekeeping plays in the guest experience, reveal his company’s designs and philosophies and encourage more hotels to create Arab “home from home” designs.
The first Middle East Spa Awards will also take place at this year’s show. With more than 40 entries across five categories, the awards have proved particularly successful. The winners – chosen from a shortlist of three in each category – will be announced at the Business Breakfast Ceremony on 19th May at 09:00am.
“We are thrilled to announce the first Middle East Spa Awards at The Hotel Show 2010,” said Tinston. “With the industry in this region alone having a turnover of more than Dh2.3 billion, it is one that enjoys continuous growth year-on-year. Spas are a vital aspect of all hotels and as such we feel it is important to recognise the sector through these awards.”
