Horeca 2006 opens its doors to visitors for a journey through the latest in the hospitality and food industry

The event was inaugurated with a press conference where the crucial issues of the food and hospitality industry were discussed by noteworthy figures including Mr. Georges Nasraoui, President of the Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industries, Mr. Pierre Achkar, President of the Syndicate of Hotel Owners in Lebanon, Mr. Paul Ariss, President of the Syndicate of Lebanese Restaurants, Cafés, Night-Clubs and Pastry Owners, and Mr. Fadi Abboud, President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists.

Mr. Nasraoui spoke of the crucial role Horeca has in the country's hospitality sector. "Such an event promotes the nation's agro-food produce as well as Lebanese Cuisine, which has earned worldwide acclaim."

Mr. Nasraoui added: "Horeca started appealing to several international exhibitors and professionals with its globalal reach which has positively influenced Lebanon's tourism when it comes to food and hospitality."

Mr. Nasraoui was particularly confident about Horeca's role in offsetting the mounting political turmoil, "a situation that is truly undesirable for all Lebanese citizens; however Horeca, with its outstanding magnitude will help convey the right image of the country's expertise in agro-food manufacturing sectors, and the forum's success will undoubtedly spur exports and encourage investments," he said.

Mrs. Joumana Damous Salamé, Managing Director of the trade show's organizing company, voiced the same optimistic conviction that Horeca, apart from being a professional reference for industry people, is and will constantly be a vanguard and a leap in hospitality and food sectors, nationally and regionally.

Horeca 2006 will feature several prominent activities: the Hospitality Annual Award Ceremony, which will commemorate key players in the Industry for their exceptional performance in foodservice and hospitality. The categories for this year include "contributor to the success of the region's most innovative hotel brand" and "distinctive contributor to tourism in Lebanon".

The Annual Hospitality Forum, includes leading experts who will share in-depth know-how of current and future trends, coupled with free seminars and hands-on workshops. Among the key topics to be delivered include; "Hospitality in the Cornerstone of the Lebanese Tourism Industry" by Syndicate of Restaurants, Cafes and Pastry Shops President Mr. Paul Aris and "Rural Lebanon Emerging as a New Tourism Asset" by SRI.

The Hospitality Salon Culinaire will showcase the latest in culinary concepts, where 150 talented chefs whose creativity and expertise will be tested in 15 divers food categories, by an international panel of judges. For the first year a national selection will give way to a Lebanese national candidate to represent Lebanon at the Trophee International de Cuisine et Patisserie that will take place at Equip'hotel - France in November 2006.

The Meeting Point, is a pit stop packed with invaluable free advice from industry professionals, as well as local and worldwide companies looking to promote their unique ideas and franchise opportunities.

The table setting competition features hotels, events organizers and tabletop suppliers presenting their own inspiring decorations for the "Carnival Table" and "English Tea Time Table" themes.

The TechZone, a technology pavilion unveiling the freshest products, services, and applications will bring forth innovation and efficiency to business operations.

The Deco'tel will serve as a meeting zone for renowned architects and furnishing companies that have catered to the most exceptional restaurants and hotels.