His Highness, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum to patron hotel investment forum for fourth year running

He also indicated that delegate registration looks set to break the 1,000 barrier mark, up 100% in four years.

Worsley said that the three-day hospitality investment forum will again see the 'who's who' of the global hotel investment industry thrash out the hot topics that are driving the region's bullish sector.

"We are thrilled to have His Highness Shaikh Ahmed confirm his support for the fourth year in a row, a true sign that AHIC is cemented as the significant event on the region's hospitality investment calendar," Worsley said.

"Industry research has revealed that AHIC has become known as the place where introductions are made that enable new ventures and business opportunities in the sector to seed and grow.

"We believe that the surge in attendance over the past four years stands as a sign of AHIC's acceptance as the premier event for region's hospitality investment sector! We expect to pass 1,000 delegates in 2008, up from just over 500 in AHIC's inaugural year in 2004."

Worsley added that the industry too is expected to grow by 4.4% per annum in real terms between now and 2016, with Middle East travel and tourism investment estimated to reach US$39.4 billion during the same period (1)
The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will run from May 3-5, 2008 at Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah Convention Centre and is jointly organised by The Bench and Meed.

AHIC 2008 sees the introduction of a first-day Summit session. India has been selected as the Summit's flagship topic.

"India's hospitality sector is fast gaining gear to accommodate international interest, both in business and leisure sectors, in a country poised for rapid growth," said Worsley.

He said that demand for upscale hotel rooms in India is on the rise, and so are prices.

"Recent figures bear out this optimism with room rates in the major metropolitan centres rising nearly 40% this year over 2006, while global names such as Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Marriott and Hilton have all announced major expansion plans for India," he concluded.

Details of AHIC can be found on www.arabianconference.com, including an early-bird booking offer.
Platinum sponsors of the 2008 event include: Bawadi, IFA Hotels & Resorts, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels and The Rezidor Hotel Group.

Gold Sponsors include Accor SA ME, Davis Langdon LLP, DLF Hotels, Emaar Hospitality Group, Emirates Airline, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Godwin Austen Johnson, Golden Tulip MENA Region, Group RCI, GuestInvest, Hamilton Hotel Partners, Hilton Hotels, Horwath HTL, HVS International, iBAHN, IHG, Interval International, Istithmar World, Jumeirah, Kempinski Hotels, Langham Hotels International Limited, Marriott International, Morgan Stanley, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Northcourse, OBM International, Rakeen, RCI Global Vacation Network, Rotana, Shaza Hotels, Sidley Austin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Strategic Solutions, Taj Hotel Resorts & Palaces, TRI Hospitality Consulting, Vision Hospitality Asset Management, WATG, West LB and Wyndham Hotel Group.

Media sponsors include AME Info, CNBC Arabia, CNN, HOTELS, Hotel & Motel Management, Sleeper and TTN.

Supporters: Dubai Convention Bureau, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, IBLF, IH&RA, Villeroy & Boch, WTTC.