The Hotel Show to highlight kitchen equipment and suppliers as GCC budgets continue growth

Maggie Moore, Exhibition Director of The Hotel Show, says:

"The study shows that while globally the hotel sector is experiencing something of a slowdown, substantial new business is available for hotel equipment and service providers in what is still a regional growth industry."

In response to exhibitor and visitor requests, The Hotel Show organisers dmg world media Dubai will be highlighting kitchen equipment within its Operating and Supply section at the show in 2010 (18-20 May, Dubai World Trade Centre).

"In global terms, the Middle East is one of the few regions where hotel kitchen equipment suppliers can find new markets," Moore added.

Kitchen and laundry equipment accounts for 2.12% of the value of a hotel project. The study carried out by the Proleads research house, shows that across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, total kitchen and laundry budgets are expected to exceed $617m this year and $634m in 2010 as the region still grows its hotel industry, despite the downturn.

The United Arab Emirates is forecast to take the lion's share of the total GCC budget this year at more than $427m. This will fall to just over $390m in 2010 as more hotel projects are completed. However, Proleads forecasts continued growth in new hotel kitchen and laundry budgets across other GCC countries.

The Saudi Arabia budget is forecast to climb from $119m this year to $137m in 2010. Bahrain will also witness a significant increase from $36m this year to over $50m in 2010; Qatar from $16m to more than $32m; Kuwait from $6m to more than $11m. The forecast budgets in Oman are expected to remain virtually static at around $11m both this year and next.

The Hotel Show showcases the latest products, services and technologies for all aspects of the hospitality and leisure sector. This year's show saw four product sectors: Operating Equipment and Supplies, Security and Technology, The Resort Experience and Interiors and Design.

The Hotel Show 2009 featured 758 exhibitors from 41 countries and attracted 9,788 key industry decision makers and influencers from 77 countries.