The Middle East Spa Summit, which will take place across the three days, will look more closely at these trends as well as design, environmental impact, human resources, management and operations topics.

Another highlight of the show is the Seven Star Conference, an established event running, which this year will focus on design trends, sustainability, future technologies and marketing for profitability.

In addition, within the ‘operating equipment and supplies’ sector, the show will run the popular Corporate Catwalk for hospitality sector uniforms and clothing alongside the student design award for local universities and the Gallery of Entries.

Moore said she had high hopes for this year’s show and expected at least the same number of exhibitors and visitors, if not more.

In 2008, The Hotel Show featured 1050 exhibitors from 46 countries and attracted 13,056 key industry decision makers from 95 countries.

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“While the negotiations may be tougher this year, we predict similar levels of business,” she said.

“We haven’t opened pre-registrations yet, but we already have more than 300 visitors registered. Last year we had 13,500 visitors and we think that this is a realistic target for this year. If anything, we should have more visitors given that we are pushing for more sectors vertically to appeal to a wider range of visitors, particularly from the spa industry.”
 

The four sectors at a glance:

1.    Interiors & Design: for furniture, furnishings, accessories and design services across the board and incorporating the brand new ‘Haute Hotel’ area that will include those products for the highest end of the hospitality market.

2.    Operating Equipment & Supplies: will include the best food and beverage, housekeeping and back of house product and equipment. It will also feature the popular Corporate Catwalk for hospitality sector uniforms and clothing alongside the student design award for local universities and the Gallery of Entries.

3.    Security & Technology: a section that continues to grow in line with advances in in-room technology including innovations, which take into account energy conservation and wastage.

4.    The Resort Experience: new for 2009, this section covers all things outdoors; including furniture, accessories and design.