The Hotel Show offers strategies on how to maximize benefits once the economic environment improves

"Without doubt the industry will face some challenges as businesses and consumers overseas cut back on leisure generally," said Maggie Moore, Exhibition Director of The Hotel Show.

"We are seeing an increased emphasis on value for money with the industry looking for quality products and services that improve margins and maximize revenue generating opportunities in a down market leaving them well placed for a recovery. The United Arab Emirates has experienced visitor growth in double digits of up to 15% over the last three years,"

Moore added.

"However, many believe this is unlikely to continue at the same level of growth. This will mean that hoteliers will have to pay greater attention to products and services which offer efficiencies during a period of lower growth, thus placing operators in an even stronger position come the economic revival."

Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing says it does not plan to revise its target to attract 15 million tourists a year by 2015, and regionally the Qatar Tourism and Exhibition Authority recently said the country's hotel capacity needs to increase from the current 4,300 rooms to some 29,000 rooms by 2012.

The Hotel Show, taking place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 24-26 May 2009, will host the latest products, services and technologies for all aspects of the hospitality and leisure sector.

In 2008 The Hotel Show featured 1,050 exhibitors from 46 countries and attracted 13,056 key industry decision makers from 95 countries. Historically, 25% of visitors have come from outside the UAE.

"More than 60% of visitors last year show placed orders onsite or as a direct result of attending," said Moore. "In addition, 40% of all visitors confirmed they would appoint a new supplier, having seen the wide range of products on show. Whilst the negotiations may be tougher this year, we predict similar levels of business."

Planning for the 2009 show is already forging ahead. "As the show that listens we have made some important changes for this year's event based on feedback from our visitor and exhibitor surveys," said Moore. The most significant is the introduction of four major product and service sectors within the show.

"Interiors & Design for furniture, furnishings, accessories and design services across the board and incorporating the brand new Haute Hotel area that will include those products for the highest end of the hospitality market," she added.

"Operating Equipment & Supplies will include the best food and beverage, housekeeping and back of house product and equipment. It will also feature the popular Corporate Catwalk for hospitality sector uniforms and clothing alongside the student design award for local universities, and the Gallery of Entries.

"Security & Technology is a section that continues to grow as the importance of technology within hotels increases. There are advances within in-room technology and we are also seeing numerous technological innovations as the importance of energy conservation and wastage become more relevant.

"The Resort Experience - new for 2009 - covers all things outdoor; including furniture, accessories and design. Outdoor living and entertainment are also increasingly looked for by guests and therefore have a growing importance for hotel owners and operators.

In the Gulf Region, 60% of total spa revenue is generated through hotels. Hotel owners and operators have identified this sector as an essential are of development, not only as a necessary service in the hotels, but as additional revenue centers in their own right. As a result, Hotel Spa will be a major new feature within the Resort Experience this year."

The Hotel Show 2009 also sees the launch of the first Middle East Spa Summit, addressing issues and trends in spa treatments as well as design, environmental impact, human resources, management and operations topics.

The Seven Star Conference, an established event running alongside The Hotel Show will in 2009 have an emphasis on design trends, sustainability, future technologies and marketing for profitability.