Companies from more than 35 overseas nations have underlined the strength of the Middle East hospitality market by participating in The Hotel Show 2010, which opens today (Tuesday) at Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until Thursday.
France has the largest country pavilion, spanning 652 square metres, followed by Italy, Germany, Cyprus, China, Thailand and Belgium. Spain, Portugal, the UK and Turkey will also be represented. Overall, the show will welcome 363 exhibitors.
“This year has been exceptionally tough for our international exhibitors especially those from recession hit countries such as Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain and the UK. However their commitment to participate at The Hotel Show 2010 highlights how effective the event is as a platform to reach out to regional buyers,” said Ray Tinston, Sales Director, The Hotel Show.
Some 32 companies will take part in the French Pavilion, showcasing everything from fabrics and lighting to outdoor furniture. Their participation will be divided with separate areas for interior design and spa / resort companies. Highlights of the areas include interior experts Dragan Architecture and Okdak, a company specialising in interactive mobile services, such as the virtual loyalty card.
Brice Ortole, project manager of the French pavilion said: “The Hotel Show is the most prestigious hotel and hospitality event in the Middle East and North Africa. Visitor attendance has been steadily growing year-on-year and no other show can draw such a large proportion of visitors from surrounding countries. It has also become the main event for regional spa activity and remains devoted to wellness and resort services. As a result, Ubifrance has set up pavilions for the sixth consecutive year.”
The international pavilions join 128 companies from the UAE across four sectors; Interiors and Design; Operating Equipment and Supplies; Security and Technology; and The Resort Experience.
“Local exhibitors who represent hundreds of international brands are the backbone of the show. Their commitment is exceptional especially as in some cases, they have faced cut backs to their marketing budgets by their principals,” added Tinston.
The Seven Star Conference is returning to The Hotel Show once again and will tackle key issues facing the industry. Sponsored by Tamani Hotel Marina, the two-day conference, which starts today, will address such topics as Strategic Marketing for Destinations and Star Ratings, while leading Dubai-based designer Zain Mustafa will address how the Middle East can influence the global future of hotel design. The conference programme ends on Wednesday with the Middle East Spa Summit discussing all aspects of the industry from planning a spa to succeeding in the region.
Another edition to the show is the Associations Meetings. The first day will see the Housekeepers Association, Emirates Culinary Guild with the Front Office Managers meeting on Tuesday and Spa Professionals on Wednesday. All gatherings will discuss new trends and pressing issues in the hospitality industry.
This year will also see the first Middle East Spa Awards take place alongside the main exhibition, the winners of which will be announced during the Business Breakfast Ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday).
