Debutant Cyprus eyes Mid East hospitality market

Recent forecast by the World Travel Organisation (WTO) predicted an average annual growth rate of 6.7 per cent per for the next 15 years in the hospitality sector in this region. There will be over 20 major exporters participating in the Cypriot group, and having already contributed towards the development of the Mediterranean island's own five-star industry, they have every reason to be optimistic about their move into this growing market.

Maggie Moore, Exhibition Director, The Hotel Show 2007, which takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) on 3-5 June, said, "This is the first time Cyprus has organised a national pavilion. Last year individual Cypriot companies took a total of 30 square metres. This year they will cover over 500 square metres, clearly showing confidence in the market."

Cyprus exports, worth US$ 1.34 billion, have traditionally been agricultural produce and cement, with the EU being their main market. However considering that the service sector makes-up 76 per cent of Cyprus' GDP, tourism being the cornerstone, exporters are now turning their attention towards the Middle East. The Cyprus pavilion will host a wide variety of companies showcasing a wealth of products and services such as; cleaning products, bespoke furniture, unique stone creations and rock art, mosaics, paper hygiene products, bedding, lighting, solar technology and shading systems.

"We feel that despite the extreme competition that exists in the market we have grown our export markets in the Middle East from virtually nothing a few years ago to almost US$ 14 million at present. Our suppliers have developed in parallel with resorts such as Paphos and Ayia Napa and as such have the necessary know-how and experience to gain market share throughout the Middle East's five-star hospitality sector,"

commented, Antonis Antoniades, Commercial Officer for the Cyprus Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Tourism.

Organised by dmg world media Dubai Ltd one of the region's leading exhibition companies based in Dubai, The Hotel Show will offer the very latest equipment, technology and service innovations for the hospitality and leisure industries. The event has grown inline with the industry and this year will cover a total of 13,000 square metres. In 2006, the event accommodated 700 exhibitors from 46 different countries, which was a 30 per cent increase over the previous year.