More than 260 exhibitors are likely to take part in HoReCa 2002, the Levant's ninth hospitality and food service exhibition being held in Beirut from April 9-13.

"The early signs indicate avid interest from international exhibitors with more than 35 newcomers from the Gulf already onboard," said Joumana Dammous-Salame, managing director of Hospitality Services, the organizer of the event.

"We now expect to have over 265 exhibitors at HoReCa 2002," she said. This is a 15 per cent increase over the last event.

Countries with their own pavilion at HoReCa 2002 include the UK, Italy and Belgium. Other countries represented through local or regional companies include France, Holland, Canada, Austria, Germany and Jordan, she said.

Salame said a survey, conducted post HoReCa 2001, found that 74 per cent of exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the quality of visitors. "This makes it clearer to us that HoReCa, which was first launched in 1994, is continuously reinforcing its standing as a "must-attend" event that brings the key players of the hospitality world and their suppliers together at one large business meeting place every year," she said.

HoReCa 2002, held under the patronage of Lebanese President General Emile Lahoud, is also moving to BIEL, a new exhibition centre at the heart of the Beirut Central District.

In addition, the exhibition is being divided into two main events: The "Levant Trade Show for the Hospitality and Food Service Industries" and the "International Food and Drink Exhibition."