Now established as the regional hospitality industry’s meeting place, The Hotel Show is set for a 30 per cent increase this year occupying seven halls at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre when it opens in June.
Companies from 31 countries have already signed up to exhibit at the show, organised by dmg world media Dubai Ltd, including Mexico, Japan and Norway, due to participate in The Hotel Show for the first time this year. A growing number of local firms will also take part to showcase their products in an increasingly quality-driven and competitive market.
Gabriel Lopez Morton, Director International Sales, Galerias Chippendale, one of the most highly respected manufacturers and retailers of high-end period furniture in Mexico and the Americas, commented, “We have visited The Hotel Show on a number of occasions and we have followed its impressive growth closely. It has now consolidated itself as the premier event of its type in the Middle East and exhibiting here will be the perfect platform for us to launch our products into this lucrative market.”
According to a recent MEED report the GCC region alone, will be home to new projects estimated at nearly US$700bn, with at least 80 hotels and 25,000 rooms currently on the drawing board. This market dynamism has been recognised by overseas suppliers who are now flocking to the region to tap in to the unprecedented hospitality boom.
According to The Hotel Show project manager, Maggie Moore, the result has been a spectacular growth in exhibitor interest from around the globe: “Traditional source markets such as Spain, Portugal and France have all increased their presence at the show, but we are also confirming bookings from countries such as Poland, Russia, Tunisia and Turkey, for example, and we are negotiating for more country pavilions which will enhance the international aspect of the show. The addition of Mexico, Japan and Norway for the first time this year will be a testimony to that.
“There has been a strong local response too, not only from established players in the United Arab Emirates, but also regional heavyweights from Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which demonstrates the strength and depth of the regional interiors sector.”
Doubling the size of its national pavilion, the Philippines will be exhibiting a diverse range of furniture and art among other well known specialities. The participants have clearly identified the Middle East as one of the most vibrant hospitality markets in the world.
“Our studies show that this market will grow dramatically over the next five years and, as the furniture and art segment is one of the top five revenue earners for our country, the region is very important for us,” said Rashmi Tolentino-Singh, marketing director for Lightworks, who pointed out that exports had risen by 18 per cent in the last quarter due to a strategic overseas marketing drive.
In addition to interiors suppliers, The Hotel Show will see significant growth in exhibitors targeting the service side of the industry, such as recruitment and technology, said Moore.
“Hoteliers are interested in both the software and the hardware needed for any successful property, and this has been noted by professional service providers both regionally and internationally.”
India-based recruitment specialist, Vira International, is one company that will further enhance its links with regional hospitality professionals through the opening of a new office in Dubai to meet the growing regional demand for quality human resources, from both India and the UK.
“We expect a huge growth in the market and predict a shortage of skilled hospitality professionals within three years – hotels will have to invest more in recruitment, salaries and training,” warned CEO Alijan Rajan.
