The Dubai-based event management and marketing specialists, Streamline Marketing expects one of its most prominent trade events, The Hotel Show, to have its best year yet with exhibition space sales projected to increase by 50 per cent on last year.
The Hotel Show takes place at the Airport Expo Dubai from May 17 to 19 and is a one-stop shop for hotel owners, operators and developers, giving them the chance to see the latest products and services vital to a hotel's day-to-day running.
“Last year we sold a total of 4,100 sq m of exhibition space," said Laith Kubba, director of Streamline Marketing. "But this year, we are already more than 20 per cent up on last year and we expect sales to reach more than 6,000 sq m by the time the exhibition takes place… With hotel projects worth millions of dollars underway in Dubai and throughout the region, it's little wonder many hotel suppliers are on our waiting list in the hope that they can participate in the event."
One such company is UAE-based wooden joinery and furniture manufacturer, Touchwood D6cor & Furniture Ltd. Founded 26 years ago, the company is making a debut at The Hotel Show in a move to differentiate itself from its constantly multiplying competitors.
"There are now around 80 furniture manufacturing companies in Dubai and another 100 based in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman and this has pushed prices down," said Pradip Sahadevan, the company's sales and marketing manager.
“While the market has become increasingly price-conscious, a company's technical expertise and capacity to handle large projects is what matters to decisionmakers and we hope our participation at this prestigious event will help maintain our image as one of the leading interior design companies in the UAE."
Visitors this year can expect to meet the full spectrum of suppliers to the hospitality industry, including producers of computer hardware and software, fitness, spa and pool equipment, furniture, interior design, tableware, kitchen equipment, management and reservation systems, telecommunications systems and uniforms.
Among first-time exhibitors is Touchwood Decor & Furniture, which boasts a long client list of including Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai.