Are there any particular challenges that you feel the F&B market has had to face this year?
In times when the customer is more aware of the cost of eating out, individual outlets are having to maintain quality standards while looking at their pricing policy.
But they also have to make sure their marketing campaigns are geared to the right audience; so marketing, quality and pricing are key issues.
The Hotel Show 2009 took place in May; how successful was this year’s event, with its new format?
We were delighted with the success of The Hotel Show this year and so, it seems, were the exhibitors!
Both exhibitors and visitors found it much easier to navigate through the four sectors: Interiors and Design, Operating Equipment and Supplies, Security and Technology, and The Resort Experience.
The Seven Star Conference was better attended than ever before — the visitors really liked the forum debates and Paola Navone as the lead designer was hugely popular.
The inaugural Middle East Spa Summit saw nearly 400 delegates attending the sessions; a really big turnout for a first event.
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We have had more early re-bookings than ever for the show in May 2010.
In fact, six months into the bookings cycle, we are already way ahead of where we were last year — and it was only really at this stage last year that the economic situation really seemed to hit Dubai.
So we are very positive that next year, May 18-20 will see another very successful Hotel Show.
What kind of turnout did last year’s event generate — from both an exhibitor and visitor perspective?
Our 758 exhibitors came from 41 countries.
We had over 9800 visitors, 83% of whom said that they would or were likely to place an order as a result of attending.
Based on spending intentions, this gives a potential revenue of almost US $10 billion.
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