The event attracts over 100 exhibitors, including leading interiors firms

WITH Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry now worth trillions of dollars, and an ambitious government programme driving growth in the sector, it has never been more important for businesses to attend the inaugural The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia, according to dmg :: events, the show’s organiser.

Seen as the gateway through which to reach the vast business opportunities in the kingdom, the exhibition takes place at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events in Jeddah, from November 17 to 19, 2012, under the patronage of Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Council for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism industry is expected to be worth $14.9 trillion in 2012 according to the SCTA.

International industry consultant Business Monitor International, meanwhile, says Saudi Arabia is expected to welcome 15.8 million tourists by 2014, with some 381,000 new hotel rooms and a 63 per cent increase in room stock against 2010 inventories forecast for completion by 2015.

The country has emerged as one of the most captivating markets for foreign direct investment in the food, hotel and hospitality industries.

Keeping pace with the demands of the country’s burgeoning hospitality market, The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia has focused its offering to provide an unmatched sourcing platform for buyers and sellers of hospitality supplies and services. 

“With the Saudi Arabian hotel industry enjoying robust growth, the outlook for hospitality suppliers and service providers looks particularly buoyant. The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia is certainly the must-attend trade show for regional and global companies wanting to establish a presence or grow their existing businesses in this lucrative market,” said Frederique Maurell, exhibition director, The Hotel Show Saudi.

Five key segments are represented at this inaugural show, attracting exhibitors from the length of the industry value chain.  These include Interiors and Design, Operating Equipment and Supplies, Technology and Sustainability, Outdoor and Resort Experience, and Food and Beverage. More than 100 companies from 24 countries will be participating this year, with 10 country pavilions represented at the show, including Italy, Greece, France and Malaysia.

Zubair Furnishing, a global interior contracting and contract furnishing company with a presence in the region spanning four decades will participate at this year’s show.  Pradheep Ramanathan, vice-president – sales and marketing said:  “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the few remaining key growth markets in the hospitality sector and over 40 per cent of our current turnover comes from this important market. We are delighted that The Hotel Show has expanded its presence to Saudi Arabia and are hopeful that our participation will result in increased business opportunities.”

Other key exhibitors confirmed to participate include luxury bed and furnishings company Casa Shamuzzi, technology giant Equinox Arabia, French spices and nut company Gyma Food Industries, and hospitality accessories company Rikan. 

Europe’s leading interiors fit out company Nowy Styl Group and Stylis Hotel Solutions, which together have formed a partnership manufacturing customized modular furniture systems for hotels, are also exhibiting in Jeddah.   Pawel Makowski, general manager Middle East at Nowy Styl said:  “Stylis and Nowy Styl Group are looking forward to participating at The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia because it is the ideal platform bringing together industry professionals under one roof.  With increasing business tourism and expansion of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia, we expect to increase our project business and strengthen our position in the region.”

Organised by dmg :: events, The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia, which debuts this year in Jeddah is the sister show to The Hotel Show which is now in its 13th year in Dubai, and the largest full spectrum hospitality and supplies event for the Middle East North Africa region. Both the trade-only exhibitions bring the best of regional and international manufacturers together with qualified buyers to meet the demands of burgeoning regional hospitality market.