Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Abu Dhabi to host key hospitality summit

The Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit (GIOHIS) is set to return to Abu Dhabi for its 2019 event, which will take place at the Park Hyatt hotel from February 4-5.

The Summit, supported by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, which is part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will gather business leaders, developers and key decision-makers together to discuss the most pressing issues in the hotel industry today.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted and honoured to be the destination and culture partner for the Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit, as it takes place once again in Abu Dhabi. As worldwide travel and tourism continue to rapidly grow, the hotel industry is continually expanding – particularly in countries in the Indian Ocean region. It is imperative that hospitality sectors invest in innovative, proactive strategies to drive sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market."

Organised by HOFTEL, one of the world’s leading hotel property investors associations, GIOHIS is set to bring together more than 250 top hotel owners, developers and operators from the Gulf, East Africa, Indian Ocean islands, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and Australia.

Discussions will cover topical issues affecting the industry such as changing investment opportunities, oversupply crunch, franchising and sector-associated economies.

There will be a total of 75 speakers taking part in the summit, including Khalid Al Yahmadi, the CEO, Muscat National Development and Investment Company; Simon Allison, chairman and CEO of HOFTEL; Khalid Anib, the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels; and Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president development for Hyatt, amongst many other leading names in the hospitality industry. - TradeArabia News Service