AHIC, the annual knowledge and networking platform for the hotel investment community, will return to Ras Al Khaimah for the next edition in April 2019.

 

The AHIC 2019 will take place from April 9 to 11 at an all new purpose-built AHIC Village in the grounds of the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

 

The 2019 programme, themed ‘Synchronised for Success’, is being developed following the AHIC Advisory Board, held at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai, at which more than 40 of the Middle East’s leading hotel owners, developers, operators and consultants gathered to discuss the main issues and opportunities that drive the hotel investment industry in the Middle East.

 

The Advisory Board revealed shared sentiment about the importance of creating harmony amongst hotel investment stakeholders, the need discuss the shift in hotel operating models the industry is witnessing, the desire for insights from other business sectors in terms of disruption, and the opportunity to explore the impact and opportunity of new technologies and sustainable design & development – all topics that will be featured in the AHIC 2019 programme.

 

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said:” We are delighted to be hosting AHIC in Ras Al Khaimah for the second year following last year’s phenomenal success. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, we look forward to welcoming the region's most senior hotel investors, developers, operators and world-class speakers to share insights, exchange knowledge and opportunities that will drive the tourism and hospitality sector forward. AHIC will serve as a great platform for us to showcase Ras Al Khaimah’s new Destination Strategy as we aim to attract 3 million visitors by 2025”.

 

Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench Events and Founder of AHIC, said: “We were incredibly pleased to have more than 40 of our Advisory Board members attend this year’s meeting, which is such an important part of the programming for AHIC. It was also great to see the enthusiasm and anticipation for our return to Ras Al Khaimah in 2019 following the success of this year’s event with our partners at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.”

 

John Emmerson, director of events, MEED, said: “We are super excited to be back in Ras Al Khaimah for AHIC 2019. The AHIC Village was a great success this year and, as event organisers, Ras Al Khaimah as a destination gave us fantastic opportunities to enrich the AHIC experience for our delegates. From the world’s longest zipline and gym sessions on the beach to dinner in the desert and a closing keynote by the world’s greatest living explorer, we were able to create an environment for our delegates to fully focus on connecting, learning and doing business.” 

 

He added: “We look forward to even more exhilarating experiences for our delegates at AHIC 2019, one of which will be a supercar driving experience through our partner ES Unique Mobility Services.” - TradeArabia News Service