THIS year’s three-day programme will include some hard hitting discussions on the impact of the Arab Spring and will see industry experts dissect the investment potential of the region in depth.
Highlights include:
Macro-Economic Overview – The Middle East After The Arab Spring - Will look at business, economic and political outlook for the Middle East and North Africa in 2012 and 2013 with Nenad Pacek co-Founder, CEEMEA Business Group - president, Global Success Advisors
A Hard Talk on Egypt – Will see speakers discuss what it takes to succeed in one of Mena’s most important markets? Where are the opportunities for hotel investors and how is the tourism sector moving forward?
The session will be moderated by Nick van Marken, Global Head – Advisory, Travel, Hospitality & Leisure Industry Group - Deloitte LLP who will be in conversation with Kurt Ritter, president & CEO, The Rezidor Hotel Group and Samih Sawiris, chairman - Orascom Development Holding
Investment & Development Post Arab Spring – Where to Now? – Will look at the new key markets. Are Libya, Iraq, Tunisia and other countries under political transition still worth the attention of investors? Where else are ‘ones to watch’?
Moderated by Richard Thompson, editor for MEED and in conversation with Taras Ettl vice president development MEA, IHG, Olivier Granet, director of development, Accor Middle East, Stephen Lari, principal, The Claremont Group, Rami Moukarzel, director development, EMEA, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International and Paul Pisani, senior vice president, hotel development, Corinthia Hotels
Hard Talk On Demand – What Has Been The Impact Of The Arab Spring, How Has It Altered Regional Travel Patterns For The Future? – Will discuss the strategy needed to generate sustained growth for the hotel and tourism sectors?
Amine Moukarzel, president - Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts Mena will be in conversation with Tourism Ministers from the Middle East and North Africa including Nayef Hmeidi Al Fayez, Minister of Tourism & Antiquities - The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Developing Destinations - How do you create a sustainable environment for hotel investment and development? How can destinations be planned to ensure a sustainable product?
Moderated by Kevin Underwood, vice president/principal, AECOM Design + Planning and in conversation with Abdul Aziz Al Emadi, CEO Msheireb Hospitality, Victor Louis COO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Investment and Development Authority, Yasser Norman CEO, Kuoni Travel, Fettah Tamince, chairman, Rixos Hotels and Sonja Timani, owner and chairman of World of Travel
On April 30, 2012, The AHIC 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, vice chairman and CEO of IFA Hotels & Resorts.