2016 Hotel and Leisure Shows comes to a successful close

Attracting over 600 international companies from across the world, the 2016 Hotel and Leisure Shows came to a close on Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

His Excellency Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, officially opened the 2016 editions and was given a tour of the event by Event Director Gary Williams.. Local and international dignitaries from as far as Germany and the Philippines also explored the 600 exhibitor stands on display from more than 50 countries.

Her Excellency Sheikha Dr Hind bint Abdulaziz Al Qassimi opened the DA International Interior Design LLC stand in support of the arts and interiors company, as well as its local and international artists on display.

The key industry events – also co-located with Piscine Middle East for the first time this year –ran until 19^th September 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Earlier, talking of the importance of the event, which is now in its 17^th year, Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) said, “The Hotel Show is one of the most important annual events in our calendar at Dubai Tourism and has played a significant part in driving the hospitality sector by bringing hoteliers together, facilitating partnerships, improving market analysis and understanding, and ensuring alignment with Dubai’s overall tourism vision. The hotel sector in general is the backbone of Dubai’s tourism industry, and it is the calibre of the emirate’s accommodation offerings that has helped shape the high standards and reputation that Dubai enjoys and is known for. Hotels and hospitality have a great part to play in realising Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020, which aims to welcome 20 million visitors per year by the start of the next decade. Dubai welcomed 13.2 million international overnight visitors in 2014, so while much progress has already been made, there is still much to achieve. Together, facilitated by the Hotel Show, we can reach and exceed our goals, and drive success and prosperity within the tourism industry as whole.”

On the first day, visitors took part in a master class called ‘Developing a digital strategy for revenue optimisation’ held for the very first time at the event.

Heading into day two of the 2016 Hotel and Leisure Shows Exhibitors, visitors alike spoke of excitement after a busy opening day flush with international dignitaries and leading hospitality industry experts and professionals.  

As well as hundreds of stands, the shows incorporate a busy schedule of expert led discussions and hands-on workshops. On the 2^nd day of the Vision Conference, experts from Deloitte, TOPHOTELPROJECTS and TNS took to the stage, alongside hoteliers from the brand new W Dubai – Al Habtoor City and Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai.

For the first time this year, The Hotel Show also played host to a number of fascinating interactive features, including the live painting of two incredible art installations – a collaboration between 17A Art Consultants and BAGNODESIGN, focused on the future of hospitality and bathroom design – and the on-site manufacturing of hospitality uniforms by industry-leading A. Ronai. Two huge food trucks also help visitors discover and explore the current influence of street art and culture on hotel and restaurant design.

The Hotel Show Dubai 2016

The Hotel Show Dubai 2016 is the most prestigious, global platform for the hotel, restaurant, café and food service industry in the Middle East and Africa.

This three day B2B event is now in its 16^th year, providing suppliers from over 48 countries a platform to showcase a vast range of products. This includes hospitality technology, security, furnishing, operating equipment, retail franchise, commercial kitchens and bathrooms, fixtures and fittings and much more. It will encompass everything from design and build right through to fit out and refurbishments.

Over 25,500 hospitality professionals will travel across the globe to attend the events, conferences and seminars where over 135 speakers will take to the stage to share their unique insight and knowledge. This show also provides the perfect opportunity to network at informal and formal gatherings and meet over 650 exhibitors.

The Hotel Show also hosted the Vision Conference 2016, which boasts a full and comprehensive knowledge forum for hospitality industry professionals. In addition, The Hotel Show included TecSec Summit 2016, a conference where attendees will learn about the latest technology and security innovations for the hospitality sector.