Hotel Show augurs well for Australian - UAE business relations

Business has grown since the launch of flights between the Australia and the UAE about eight years ago and with the introduction of non-stop flights from Dubai to Victoria's state capital of Melbourne last summer, business relations between Australia and the UAE have never been better. Last fiscal year (end June 2004), Australian exports to the UAE grew to a record AUS$1.8 billion.

"Dubai is recognised in Australia as the gateway to Middle East markets and is regarded as a secure, vibrant location to do business," said Paul Cahir, managing director, International Trade Show Management Pty Ltd, organisers of the Australia Pavilion at the Hotel Show.

"Australia is now well represented in the UAE with three State Governments - Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia with trade offices in Dubai plus Austrade (Australian Trade Commission)".

The State of Victoria was the first to open a trade office in the country and currently represents 31.6 per cent of overall Australian exports to the UAE.

"We have encouraged companies to come here and Dubai is also becoming a popular stopover for Australian business travellers to Europe, who have become more aware of the great business opportunities on offer here," said Peter Deacon, Executive Director, Victorian Government Business Office UAE.

"As a result, Victoria currently has a more diverse presence in the local market with construction and technology companies as well as suppliers to the hotel industry now setting up shop here," he said.

"I think Australian outdoor furnishings and technology companies will do particularly well in respect of the Middle East hotel industry because we already have products suitable for the climate and we offer quality and expertise with pricing that is internationally competitive".

Many companies are already doing business in the market. SX Technology, producers of a world-leading video-on-demand system are already underway with their first Middle East project at the Crowne Plaza Dubai, while Casuallife, makers of top quality outdoor furnishings has fulfilled much of the Madinat Jumeirah's needs.

Other Australian companies are finding the need for further representation in the Middle East Market. Following a major project win on the Palm, ComTel Resources Pty. Ltd., makers of a powerful application that assists the hotel industry with the intergration of their management and booking systems, will be looking to appoint a regional distributor while at the Hotel Show.

The Australian Weaving Mills, another Victoria-based company that specialises in linens for the hotel industry will also be using the Hotel Show as an opportunity to test the market and investigate options for regional representation.

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.