High F&B prices set for a fall?

Prices may soon be reduced at F&B outlets across the Middle East, in response to growing demand for affordable options for tourists.

According to Frederic Bardin, senior vice president of Arabian Adventures and Congress Solutions International, F&B costs have long been a sticking point among tour operators.

“Traditionally, it has been almost impossible to eat for a moderate price if you stay in a nice four- or five-star hotel,” he observed.

“My impression is that some hotels, if not the majority, have taken advantage of the in-house clients.

“But now, they have started changing that,” he continued, citing the launch of numerous F&B promotions this year. “I just hope we see continued improvement in 2010.”

Coral International Hotel Al Khobar executive chef Mohammed Al Shawwa agreed the situation needed to change. “I think the increases in F&B prices have been a major factor in discouraging tourists to visit the region,” he asserted.

“I expect that prices will become cheaper in future due to the many new hotels opening, which will see increased competition.”

However Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait executive sous chef Salah Sabra did not believe F&B prices put visitors off.

“On vacation you spend much more on food than you would back home, because you often buy the first thing you see and don’t have time to search and evaluate,” he pointed out.

“Because it’s a necessity tourists will eat, no matter how cheap or expensive it is.”