Horeca boost for Lebanon's hospitality sector

The show, which is set for its 12th consecutive outing at BIEL from April 5 to 8, is forecast to host some 20,000 visitors during the four-day period. Exhibitors have responded positively to the event and a larger than usual number of companies in the hospitality and food industry have booked space in the 12,000m2. exhibition area to showcase their products and services.

More than 300 exhibitors from Lebanon and the region have signed up to attend. There are plenty of participants too from countries as far afield as Armenia, Austria, Cyprus, Italy and Poland. France and Germany are expected to have a significant presence while newcomers from Australia, Brazil and Hong Kong have also booked to attend.

"We have seen a noticeable increase in the number of participants", said Mrs. Joumana Damous Salameh, the Managing Director of Hospitality Services who organised Horeca 2005. She added: "The forum is growing in line with trends we have seen in the hospitality and food industry, and the progress of the tourism and hotel sectors.

"The increase in the number of hotels and restaurants in the region has created a need for more resources; and more technological and industrial improvement and innovation."

Salameh added: "Horeca is ideal for this industry. This is where companies are making their futures happen in the region. It is an annual opportunity to see at first hand the latest industry developments, inventions and technologies under one roof. This is where the ideas come together that will decide the future of the industry."