AHIC speakers split on outlook

The opening speeches at The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) threw up highly differing opinions on the state of the region’s hospitality industry.

Chairman of Bench Events, the organisation behind AHIC, Jonathan Worsley began the day’s proceedings by stating the outlook for hoteliers in the Middle East was “positive”.

“Most hoteliers have a bullish outlook for the next 12 months, despite the regional unrest,” he said.

Despite the upbeat sentiment, Gordon Campbell Gray, chairman of Campbell Gray Hotels, said he “disagreed” with Worsley’s view.

“I think the outlook is very negative,” he said, adding he would be interested to see what opinions came out of the event’s programme.

Held at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the three-day conference boasts numerous seminars and networking events for top hoteliers and investors.