Tourism chief vows 'No compromise' on quality at opening of largest ever Hotel Show

Speaking on the first day of the largest-ever Hotel Show, an exhibition of hotel product suppliers and service providers that runs at Dubai International Exhibition Centre until June 6th, Bin Sulayem denied that the massive expansion, to cater for an expected 15 million annual visitors by the end of the decade, would adversely affect the quality of products and services.

"40 per cent of current hotel capacity is five-star, which is unusual compared to other parts of the world, but with what's coming up, 70-75 per cent of hotels will be five-star," said Bin Sulayem. "There will be no compromise. We are strict with hotel classification, and that includes services, not just buildings."

After inaugurating the seventh Hotel Show, which is organised by dmg world media Dubai, Bin Sulayem revealed that DTCM had initiated "a full review of hotel specifications". While star ratings are not expected to exceed the seven stars enjoyed by Burj Al Arab, Bin Sulayem said there would be between 15 and 20 different categories, to account for relative newcomers to the market, such as boutique hotels.

"We're revising a few things, including many new categories. The study will be complete by the end of the year," he added.

Bin Sulayem welcomed The Hotel Show's contribution to the UAE's booming hotel industry. "I'm pleased with the show, which really supports the hotel industry," he said after touring the exhibition halls and meeting some of the 700 exhibitors from 49 countries. First time participants include product suppliers and service providers from Mexico, Japan, Norway and Cyprus.

Among the other international exhibitors to join established UAE companies and regional heavyweights at The Hotel Show are firms from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Turkey.

Bin Sulayem was pleased but not surprised by the number of international companies represented at The Hotel Show. "I'm not surprised because of the number and size of the hotel projects not only in Dubai, but across the region. And more will come," he said.

Commenting on day one of the three-day event, which includes the Seven Star Conference on June 5th-6th, Maggie Moore, Project Director, The Hotel Show said: "The Hotel Show has been hailed by exhibitors as the premier event of its kind in the Middle East. Already firmly established as the local and regional hospitality industry's meeting place, this year the show has attracted unprecedented interest from overseas companies who wish to break into this dynamic and lucrative market."

In addition to interiors suppliers, this year The Hotel Show has seen significant growth in exhibitors targeting the service side of the industry, including recruitment and technology. High profile speakers at the show's Seven Star Conference include world-renowned product and interior designer Karim Rashid.