The Hotel Show 2012 reaffirmed its position as the largest full spectrum hospitality supplies event for the MENA region, with exhibitors reporting an increase in sales figures and record numbers of visitors during the three day event.
Participation this year of 450 leading suppliers and consultants from more than 45 countries and 13 international pavilions highlighted the pivotal role that the show plays in facilitating trade between suppliers and buyers from every corner of the globe.The 13th edition of the show which ran from 15 – 17 May 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracted over 15,500 industry professionals – with an increase of 9% in its visitors over last year. In addition, the show also recorded an increase of over 30% in the number of visitors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as significant increases from other countries including Oman, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey.
“As the true platform for businesses in every sector of the hospitality industry, The Hotel Show has delivered tangible business benefits for both exhibitors showcasing their products and services, and industry visitors sourcing the same, said Frederique Maurell, Exhibition Director for The Hotel Show. “We are delighted that the exhibition has continued to foster growth in the Middle East market and play a key role in offering real opportunities for companies new to the region”.
Response from exhibitors representing all sectors of the hospitality supplies industry was overwhelmingly positive. Carlo Carloni, Export Manager at Catalano, suppliers of ceramic products, said: “This is the second year we have exhibited here and we will definitely return next year. This is a great opportunity to showcase our product. We received many enquiries and leads from visitors and a substantial percentage of them are expected to convert to actual sales.”
Ray Al Redha, General Manager, Mighty Leaf, U.S-based suppliers of premium tea products said: “We are pleased with the results generated by the show this year, having two deal opportunities and more than 30 concrete business leads. We will definitely be returning for the third consecutive year in 2013.”
Participating for the first time at The Hotel Show, Sanuj Kohli, Executive Director at LED Lighting & Design, Laser & Electronics Middle East said: “This was our debut year at The Hotel Show and we were delighted to find it both highly targeted, but also so regional. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our products, and we had between 140 to 150 business enquiries from visitors coming from different GCC countries”.
In addition to the strong business opportunities presented at The Hotel Show, the show also hosted the third edition of The Middle East Spa Awards, the region’s premier spa awards recognising the outstanding quality of services and amenities provided by spas across the region. The show also saw the launch of the first Middle East Hotel Awards to recognise and reward design, product and service excellence in the regional hospitality industry.
The Green Initiative – a show feature to highlight sustainable, energy efficient and eco-friendly solutions from all sectors of the industry, witnessed a record number of exhibitors participating in it. In addition to The Green Initiative, The Hotel Show hosted a Green Day programme of seminars and workshops presented by industry leaders and experts. The line-up of inspirational industry leaders and experts addressed valuable case studies on successful sustainability initiatives in energy reduction, waste management solutions and carbon footprint measurement.
With plans already underway for The Hotel Show 2013 which will take place from 29th September to 1st October 2013, Maurell said: “We are delighted with the response from exhibitors confirming participation in next year’s show. As the largest and most influential hospitality industry show in the region, we will continue to support the industry on all levels – delivering business results, promoting exchange of knowledge, and recognizing excellence. We look forward to another successful show next year.”
