Middle East Hospitality Expansion Congress to discuss developments and economic growth

The Middle East's strong foundation - especially during the current economic slowdown - is a key driver of economic growth in the region.

With uncertain times calling for a sharper focus, the 3rd Annual Middle East Hospitality Expansion Congress uncovers effective cost solutions and strategies, enhancing efficiency and creating growth for those in the hospitality industry.

The 3rd Annual Middle East Hospitality Expansion Congress attracts investments and promotes Abu Dhabi as an outstanding tourist destination among regional and international players.

MEHEC is bringing influential figures from the Hotelier Middle East's Power 5 together. These leading figures will deliver keynote addresses exploring exciting developments and crucial concerns currently facing the market. It will assess these issues from every angle, presenting several strategies for success and enabling companies to gain an in depth understanding of the latest developments in hospitality.

Speakers include:

Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, EMAAR Hospitality Group
Dr Amine Moukarzel, President and Managing Director, Flamingo Hotels, Golden Tulips Hotel and Resorts
Michael P Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Member of the Board, Ithmaar Bank, InfraCapital
Gerhard Hardick, Chief Operating Officer, Roya International
Darroch Crawford, Managing Director, Premier Inn Hotels Middle East and North Africa
Thomas Tapken, Group General Manager, City Seasons Group of Hotels
Peter JJ Vinke, Director International, Key Account Management EMEA - Region, GBU Hospitality Philips Lighting B.V.
Mario Senviratne, Former Secretary to the Board and Managing Director, World Green Building Council and Green Technologies FZCO
Noel Massoud, Chief Executive Officer, Jinan Hotel and Resorts
Michael Scully, Chief Executive Officer, Seven Tides, just to name a few.

Topics of discussion include:
'Vision to success: An entrepreneur's story' which talks about starting a hospitality business and pricing in the current climate;
'Exploring the regional and global hotel investment' which looks at the performance of the regional hospitality market;
'Middle East investment opportunities in the hospitality sector';
'Hotels of the future';
'Changes in hospitality landscape';
'Pursuing differentiation in the market';
'Environmentally sustainable hotels in the GCC market';
'Exploring the potential of religious tourism in Saudi Arabia' and
'Working towards achieving Abu Dhabi's 2030 vision' with a focus on making Abu Dhabi a world class tourist destination.

The event also features the MEHEC Excellence in Hospitality Awards, 2009 encompassing the event's theme, 'Exceeding Expectations'. The awards aim to address success stories spanning practises and innovation. These innovations include corporate achievements, strong individual efforts and the most compelling community efforts.

MEHEC Excellence in Hospitality Awards, 2009 highlights success stories of the highest calibre and will take place on 22nd November at 18h at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel.