Scandinavian design companies set sights on Middle East hotel industry

Scandinavian interior design, which is known for its clean lines, unparalleled quality and simplistic beauty that keeps functionality and usability at its heart, will be on display when Danish exhibitors such as Ege Taepper and Cane-line bring their latest products to the show.

"The Middle East is generally associated with maximalism rather than minimalism and functionality when it comes to design but, tastes are changing", says Bernard Walsh, managing director, DMG World Media Dubai, organisers of The Hotel Show.

"We can see in recent projects such as the opening of the new restaurants at Dubai's Hyatt Regency hotel, as well as the huge popularity of hotels such as the Hilton Dubai Creek and The Chedi in Oman, that there is demand for clean and sleek interiors. Scandinavia is at the vanguard of the minimalist, contemporary movement and we hope to continue building on this relatively new and untapped synergy".

Exhibiting for a fourth time, Ege Taepper, Denmark's leading carpet company, returns with their latest collection of carpets inspired by landscapes from around the globe and designed by renowned Italian designer, Marco Piva. An update of the well known Erté Collection as well as a new range of carpet tiles for the commercial market will also be displayed.

"Piva's designs bring a new vibrancy and a global feel to our quality products and show how colour can be used in a contemporary and natural way, said Michael Bøgsted, area sales manager, Ege Taepper. " The Middle East market place will appreciate the use of colour in our new collection while enjoying the contemporary edge that our carpets can lend to their projects".

Making its debut, Cane-Line, a Danish manufacturer of outdoor furniture will be showing hoteliers how to dress their outdoor areas with highly stylish works of furniture art. The show will be a launch pad for a new range of outdoor furnishings designed by Denmark's leading furniture designers, Johannes Foersom and Peter Hiort-Lorenzen, whose indoor furnishings have helped shape the reputation that Scandinavian design has achieved.

"Being able to resist UV and extreme temperatures as well as the fact that our products require no maintenance due to the use of the unique Hularo material, is what makes our furnishings so suited to the climate here in the Middle East," said Heino Rasmussen, sales area manager, Cane-Line A/S. "By working with Johannes and Peter we have created a range that will appeal to the Middle East's style conscious traveller and discerning visitors from around the globe. The designs seamlessly blend high-style with total functionality".

With a targeted audience of the region's hotel owners and developers, The Hotel Show attracts the world's major hotel supplies manufacturers. Exhibitors are arriving from as far afield as Italy, Australia, the Far East, Russia, South Africa and the United States, as well as from the major regional players.

So far, ten national pavilions, from China, France, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Malta, Mexico, Spain, Turkey and the UK, have signed up to take part in the exhibition.