The 13th edition of Horeca, the annual hospitality forum in the Middle East scheduled to take place at BIEL from 21 to 24 March 2006, is expected to…
The 13th edition of Horeca, the annual hospitality forum in the Middle East scheduled to take place at BIEL from 21 to 24 March 2006, is expected to attract more than 12,000 visitors
Horeca 2006 is set to be a significant catalyst in jumpstarting a promising hospitality season for this year in Lebanon. Despite the events that took place in the country during the past year, steady indicators reveal that the Middle East market, including Lebanon, encompasses 237 consumers whose GNP exceeds $1.4 trillion.
This makes the organization of such exhibitions a must. “Holding Horeca at the onset of 2006 can help revitalize the hospitality sector,” says Joumana Salame, managing director of the trade show’s organizing company, Hospitality Services.
On another hand, “Lebanon has triggered global curiosity, and holding Horeca this year confirms once again that Lebanon is back on its feet, providing its own unique services,” explains Paul Ariss – President of the Restaurants, Cafes, Nightclubs and Pastry Shops Syndicate.
Horeca is set to launch the 2006 tourism season and will produce renewed energy within the Lebanese tourism professionals and instill confidence in the minds and hearts of all those who plan to spend their next vacation in Lebanon.
Ariss also praises the Lebanese hospitality professionals: “They are so imaginative and creative, and Horeca is their cave of Ali Baba full of treasures and wonders.”
The expanding array of Horeca loyalists With 75 days to go, high foreign participation has been confirmed in addition to the participation of major players from the Lebanese hospitality industry. “This is a good indication that Horeca’s mission this year is to help stimulate the sector by offering more foreign exposure and more networking opportunities,” adds Salame.
Cyprus, Italy and Belgium have confirmed their official participation in the event. In addition, many first timers and countries will join Horeca this year.
Cyprus’ presence will be the largest ever. The Cypriot Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, recognizing the increasing significance of the proximity of Lebanon to Cyprus, has secured an area of 420 m2 to further encourage the booming of trade relations with Lebanon.
Horeca 2006 will feature the region’s largest Hospitality and Food Awards Ceremony, the Annual Hospitality Forum, the Atelier Gourmand workshops and live cooking demonstrations on the latest culinary global trends. The Hospitality Salon Culinaire, the Job Meeting Point, the latest trends and design in the Deco’tel Table Setting Competition will also take place and the Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industries Pavilion will present the best food products that Lebanon has to offer.
Restaurants, hotels, event organizers and table top suppliers will be representing their own professionally set and decorated theme table. This year’s themes are ‘Carnival’ and ‘English tea time’ tables. A panel of professional judges will award prizes for the most elegant and presentable tables.
New at Horeca For the first year, the International Cooking & Pastry Trophy (ICPT), where a selection of Lebanese chefs will compete, will take place at the Hospitality Salon Culinaire at Horeca. The national winner will represent Lebanon next October at Equip’hotel exhibition in Paris, France. This selection is sponsored by Barry Callebaut in collaboration with EMF Trading Ltd.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
