Ninth and biggest ever HoReCa opens in Beirut with 20 per cent more exhibitors

More than 250 exhibitors from 16 countries, representing more than 840 brands are present at this year's largest and most regional food and hospitality event, which runs through April 13 at BIEL in the Beirut Central District.

International participation at HoReCa 2002, boosted by new country pavilions from Belgium, Cyprus, Italy and Turkey, is also up nearly 300 percent this year. Other countries with their own pavilions include England and Holland and companies representing international brands are present throughout the trade show.

"We're very happy to see so much increased interest among the industry's leading companies and representatives that have made HoReCa their annual regional business meeting place," said Joumana Dammous-Salame, Managing Director of organizing-company Hospitality Services-- which was recently awarded ISO 9002 certification for its promotion and organization of trade shows and business conventions. "We look forward to continuing growth for HoReCa and the region's hoteliers sector over the coming years."

Held under the patronage of His Excellency The President of the Lebanese Republic General Emile Lahoud, HoReCa 2002 encompasses two main events: The "Levant Trade Show for the Hospitality and Foodservice Industries" and the "International Food and Drink Exhibition."

Forums
This year's Hospitality Annual Forum, held as part of the exhibition, is opening with an overview of the current challenges facing the hotel industry and local investment opportunities in the sector in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. A number of leading local, regional and international hotel, restaurant and catering industry representatives are speaking at the three-day forum— which opens on April 10 with insight from Lebanese Tourism Minister Karam Karam and the President of the Syndicate of Hotel Owners Pierre Achkar.

Other Activities
Other activities on the agenda include the now customary "Hospitality Salon Culinaire", which features an annual chefs competition, an alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages ""Lebanese Bartending Competition" and a "Job Meeting Point" designed to bring employers together with the industry's potential brightest newcomers. In addition HoReCa is introducing "Deco'te" which provides innovative looks at hotel design from some of today's leading interior designers.