Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The 22nd edition of Saudi Food, Hotel & Hospitality Exhibition, claimed to be the Saudi Arabia's largest annual food and hospitality trade show, was inaugurated Sunday by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Omari, Director General of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage - Makkah Region, in the presence of Zahoor Siddique, Vice President of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), top executives of participating companies and dignitaries. Taking place till April 26 at Jeddah Center for Forums and Events, Saudi Arabia›s 22nd International Event for Food, Beverages and Catering, Hotel Equipment, Supplies and Services is witnessing this year the participation of more than 300 companies from 14 countries. The Director General of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage - Makkah Region said "we are delighted to inaugurate this exhibition, which is witnessing a good presence in terms of food, hospitality and health products." He added "tourism will be an important component in boosting non-oil revenue, the tourism and hospitality sector is set to play a big part in the Kingdom's 2030 Vision." This year's exhibitors coming from different segments of the food and hospitality industry like F&B, interiors, kitchen equipment, housekeeping, bakery and others, and will aim at providing solutions to various industry-related problems. Zahoor Siddique, Vice President of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), said "our strategy to offer the sector and its audience and market more opportunities, whether business, investment or learning, we believe, is contributing much to the sector's advancement. By inciting awareness of current issues and challenges in Saudi Arabia, such as food safety, organic food which are also a global issues, and bringing local international specialists, we are able to create a wider audience and market base." He added that the exhibition aims to provide a strategic platform to promote food and hospitality products, services and new technology and bring together industry experts and professionals, potential business-to-business deals and networking opportunities await our participating exhibitors. The Jeddah Open Cooking Championship & Art de Table competition is showcasing the culinary skills of more than 30 professional and amateur chefs from local hotels. This year's salon will be evaluated by a panel of 25 renowned experts, mandated by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). According to the latest studies, food consumption in Saudi Arabia is projected at 31.1 million mt in 2019, showing an annual average growth of 3.0% since 2014. The hotel industry in Saudi Arabia is growing, mainly due to the Kingdom's economic stability. Additionally, the occupancy rates reach around 100% during specific periods of the year, and an average of up to 75% throughout the year. — SG
