JEDDAH – Against a backdrop of robust Saudi travel and tourism industry, the three-day "The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia" exhibition is slated to kick off on Nov. 17, 2012 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events under the patronage of Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Saudi Council for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA). The Kingdom is likely to witness a 5.3 percent increase in inbound overnight tourists to 18.42 million in 2012 and a 6 percent increase in domestic overnight tourists to 23.82 million during the same year. Inbound tourism expenditures are forecast to increase by 9 percent to SR53.43 billion in 2012, while the domestic tourism expenditure are expected to rise sharply by 12.4 percent to SR39.95 billion in 2012. A statement Sunday said with the ambitious government program driving growth in the sector, it has never been more important for businesses in the food and hospitality industry to attend upcoming event. Seen as the gateway through which to reach the vast business opportunities in the Kingdom, the influential trade-only exhibition focuses its offering on providing an unmatched sourcing platform for buyers and sellers of hospitality supplies and services. According to international industry consultant Business Monitor International, Saudi Arabia is expected to welcome 15.8 million tourists by 2014, with some 381,000 new hotel rooms and a 63 percent increase in room stock against 2010 inventories forecast for completion by 2015. The Kingdom has emerged as one of the most captivating markets for foreign direct investment in the food, hotel and hospitality industries. "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 Arabia. Five key segments are represented at this inaugural show, attracting exhibitors from the length of the industry value chain. These include Interiors & Design, Operating Equipment & Supplies, Technology & Sustainability, Outdoor & Resort Experience, and Food & 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 & Marketing, said: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the few remaining key growth markets in the hospitality sector and over 40 percent of our current turnover comes from this important market. We are delighted that The Hotel Show has expanded its presence to KSA 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 Group, 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 KSA, we expect to increase our project business and strengthen our position in the region." – SG/QJM
