Booming regional economies combined with continued large-scale investment in the hospitality sector means this year’s Hotel Show 2007, which takes place from June 3 to 5 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will run over a massive seven halls.
This is an increase of 25 per cent over last year, according to exhibition director Maggie Moore.
“We have experienced year-on-year growth consistently, mirroring the pace of regional hospitality development. International suppliers are eager to develop in what is recognised to be a growing and sustainable market,” she said.
And the visitor numbers to the show bear that out: last year’s edition saw 11,644 visitors, and Moore said the evidence suggests oragnisers dmg world media Dubai can expect ‘susbstantially more’ this year.
Billed the essential showcase for hotel, leisure and related products, services and technologies, the show will cover over 13,000sqm of floor space, and integrates several new features, including a new technology, systems and security pavilion in Hall 1, and an extended programme for the Seven Star Conference, which was initiated last year.
“This year’s programme includes a cultural awareness seminar to assist exhibitors from outside of the region, or new to the region, to understand better the way that business is conducted in the Middle East. We have a wide range of industry experts talking on subjects ranging from sales training for front line hospitality staff, through to staff retention and Emiratisation, on the personnel and training front; architecture- and design-led sessions with speakers coming in from as far afield as the Philippines, Canada and Italy; and trend and marketing sessions with speakers flying in from Australia, the UK and Indonesia,” said Moore.
Among this year’s speakers are Andrew M Love, deputy chairman of The Ritz London and chief executive, The Ritz Club, who will speak on branding and exclusivity; Jeff Matthews, president and COO, Mandara Spa Asia, who will offer an insight into spa trends within the hotel industry; Michelle Sabti of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, who examines cultural considerations for business success in the Middle East; and Ted Horner, managing director, E Horner and & Associates, talking on The Hotel Room of the Future.
The show also offers a virtual marketplace, or B2B section on its website in order to facilitate meetings during the event, between exhibitors and visitors.
Exhibitors from 48 countries will be at the show, including groups both unofficial and official from Egypt, the USA, the UK, Greece, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Thailand, the Philippines, Cyprus, Italy, Turkey and Australia. Germany has the largest pavilion, covering 974 sqm with 56 exhibitors, followed by Spain with 877 sqm (27 exhibitors), Italy with 839 sqm (26 exhibitors) and Turkey with 672 sqm (19 exhibitors).