The Hotel Show, the region’s premier trade event for the industry, kicks off tomorrow (May 17) in Dubai amid optimism about the future of hospitality industry in Gulf region.

Now in its twelfth year, The Hotel Show will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday, with technology and sustainability taking the lead.

Despite the hangover of the global downturn, as well as unrest in parts of the Mena region, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE in particular are forging ahead with their investment in hotels and transportation infrastructure, said experts.

According to them, the GCC transport spending which is poised to hit $185 billion will boost the hotel sector.

“The regional hotel development pipeline from design to completion is worth over $6 billion," observed Frederique Maurell, exhibition director, The Hotel Show 2011.

"However, it is the infrastructure supporting the growth of the hotel sector, transporting tourists and business visitors, not to mention the boost to hotel revenues during the construction and fit out stages, that will shape the hospitality landscape," he said.

"Just as an indication, according to a study last year by research company BMI, over $107 billion has been earmarked for investment in transport infrastructure projects over the next ten years, Maurell explained.

"That was before Qatar’s successful bid for the FIFA World Cup, which according to Global Arab Network could add another $78 billion to the regional transport budget," he added.

The key projects include a $13 billion international airport, $20 billion worth new roads and highways, $5 billion deep-water seaport and up to $40 billion for a 340 kilometre rail network, including a high-speed connection linking Qatar with other Gulf states.

“Naturally these are only industry analysts’ estimates, but it does give a vivid illustration of the huge amounts being spent over the next decade in the GCC countries which will undoubtedly boost the hospitality sector,” said Maurell.
 
The Hotel Show, he said, covers over 22,000 sq m of exhibition floor space, showcasing the latest products, services and technologies from all aspects of the hospitality and leisure sector.

The event has a distinctive international feel this year with 400 exhibitors representing 25 countries are showcasing more than 500 products.

“New product launches this year will also mostly be technology driven, such as tidal wave machines for water parks, loyalty cards that double as room keys and the next generation property management systems,” said Maurell.

UAE-based Etisalat, this year’s headline technology sponsor, will showcase its new e-Hospitality services that offer a combination of voice PRI, internet dedicated access and Etisalat TV services.

Sustainability is also high on the agenda this year. Italian company Technogym has designed a treadmill that uses 40 per cent less energy than conventional ones, highlighting the savings potential throughout any property.

“We have 45 exhibiting countries registered this year representing over 42 per cent of the net floor space. The largest pavilion is Germany with over 600 sq m accommodating 29 exhibitors," said Maurell.

"The Turkish participation is a close second with over 540 sq m. Then France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and the UK are also prominent, covering a combined 3,200 sq m," he added.-TradeArabia News Service