OVER 120 top speakers from around the globe will address the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) to be held in Dubai this month.
The conference is organised on the eve of the Arabian Travel Market at the Madinat Jumeirah from April 29 - May 1.
The conference, themed Oasis or Mirage - The future of hotel investment in the Middle East, will see delegates and industry experts reflect and debate on the huge investment and project initiatives in Arabia - as well as their authenticity and sustainability.
Under the guidance of Jonathan Worsley, managing director of International Hospitality Services, it will include new features and panel discussions with the hottest issues up for debate including island destination development, environmental challenges and exploring the potential of Arabian brands in a competitive global arena.
Says Worsley, “Following the success of last year's event, we've gathered industry decision makers to pursue vital topics in the progression of tourism and development in Arabia. Headline speakers include Jakaya Kiwete, the president of Tanzania, Donald J Trump Jr of The Trump Organisation and Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, who will offer solid perspectives for consideration and debate in this vital investment market.” The keynote address on the second day of the event will come from former golf champion Greg Norman.
Issues in the spotlight are the Middle East’s environment; debt and mezzanine finance and Islamic finance in the hospitality sector. Brands old and new will be represented at the forum, with a number of new names expected to premiere at the event, including Armani Hotels & Resorts, Missoni Hotels, Shaza Hotels and Centro.
Alongside more workshops, AHIC’s organisers have also introduced two new conference concepts: MoneyTalklive, a forum for delegates to meet bankers and financiers, and Studiolive, recreating a TV studio area at the event.