THE Hotel Show, the Middle East’s leading supplies exhibition to the region’s hospitality and leisure sectors, has witnessed a two-fold increase in exhibition space for Europe, with Italy, Spain and now Turkey leading the way.
The show, organised by dmg world media Dubai, takes place on June 4-6 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
“Italy, Spain and France have traditionally supported the show and their presence has grown steadily year on year, but we are now seeing countries such as, Turkey and Portugal increasing the size of their stands. Along with debutants Cyprus and Norway the total exhibition space for European countries is set to double,” says Maggie Moore, exhibition director, The Hotel Show.
Italian and Spanish companies in particular have forged strong business links over many years with regional developers and hotel professionals, supplying quality marble, ceramics, lighting, white goods, high quality furniture, interior design, high-end textiles and decorative art and France is renowned for its glassware, cutlery and crockery.
However the new kids on the block, such as Turkey and Portugal are now providing stiff competition and are looking for increased market share. Portugal is now the world’s third largest exporter of high quality textiles and fabrics and Turkish companies renowned for their porcelain, tableware, carpets and rugs are also realising the potential of the buoyant regional markets.
Recorded visitor numbers from Europe have also increased dramatically. “Last year we saw a 35% increase over 2004. Many of these visitors came over to conduct market research, as the hospitality and leisure industry throughout the Middle East continues to experience unprecedented growth. Their findings have contributed to the European exhibitor growth trends we have experienced so far this year,” says Moore.