Arabian hotel investment conference (AHIC) witnesses a strong opening with over 600 attendees

The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference witnessed a strong opening today with over 600 delegates attending an extensive programme of panel discussions and sessions on variable topics on the hospitality industry, taking place this year from 5-7 May at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench events said in his opening speech: "I would like to thank our patron, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of Dubai Dept for Civil Aviation, and Chairman and CEO of Emirates on his ongoing support for AHIC and I would like to thank all of our attendees today, it's exciting to see this number of industry leaders together under one roof attending this amazing Conference.

This year's theme is 'Hotel Development for Tomorrow's Traveller', we are here today to discuss what the future generation are looking for and what growth expectations are for this industry."

Daniel Silke, renowned South Africa's leading Political Analyst said in his presentation to the AHIC audience that by 2016 88% of the world's population will live in the emerging marketing and 2/3 of the global GDP growth will happen there as we. He told the attendees that much of the growth witnessed in the Middle East in the hospitality and tourism industry is due to the massive expansions of the Gulf region airline companies. Silke explained: "By 2025 the world will welcome nearly 1.8 billion visitor per year, an 58% increase from the 1.1 billion international visitor arrivals who crossed boarders in 2014."

According to JJL 2015 Middle East Hotel Intelligence Reports which was released today at AHIC, the Middle East and Africa region continues to witness solid hotel development activity and destination building. The UAE is expected to retain its status as the region's main tourist hub with active and differentiated strategies being implemented in other countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. Hotel assets continue to be favoured by sophisticated investors and require the right level of professional expertise whether internal or third party provided.

Chiheb Ben-Mahmoud,
Executive Vice President – Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group, Middle East & Africa at JLL, said: "While Dubai hotels ADR's and occupancy rates have been declining, their levels remain strong and healthy and can be expected to improve the competitive position of the city compared to other competing and established destinations in Europe and Asia. Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination in the Middle East due to its ease of access, quality branded hospitality offering, modern infrastructure, leisure and entertainment options and safe environment. Long term hospitality development in Dubai has been bolstered by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for Tourism for 2020, supported by the planning and implementation efforts of DTCM."

A number of significant announcements were made today at AHIC, including:

• IHG and Bukhamseen Group Strengthen 30-Year Relationship with Multi-Deal Signings in Kuwait -Includes two new builds; one conversion and contract renewal of Holiday Inn Kuwait Salmiyah
• IHG and Dur Hospitality Announce First Hotel under Master Development Agreement - Holiday Inn to open in Tabuk this year
• Dubai World Central Expands Hospitality Offering with Three New Strategic Partnerships - Additional 1,300 rooms to Cater to Business and Leisure Travelers around Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo 2020
• Shaza Hotels to open Bahrain hotel in 24 months - Shaza Seef Bahrain will be the first Shaza Hotel to open in Bahrain
• Colliers International Presents MENA Hotel Market Forecast at AHIC - Egyptian markets witness largest forecasted increases in RevPar while Abu Dhabi looks set to benefit from demand side drivers
• Dusit Builds on Existing Partnership with Three New Agreements - in the Emirates
• FRI Hotels and Resorts pursues Robust Residential portfolio as part of the Aggressive Global Expansion Strategy