- Three-day event at Dubai World Trade Centre opens with discussions around industrial reluctance to adopt tech, fears surrounding aggregators, and importance of data collection
- Co-located Leisure Show introduces concept of ‘banya’ and its health benefits, while highlighting need for multi-sensory experiences and quickening of approval processes
Dubai, UAE – 4 June, 2024: The Hotel Show 2024, the undisputed flagship event for the Middle East’s hospitality sector, opened its doors on Tuesday at Dubai World Trade Centre. Innovators, industry decision-makers, and international experts gathered to discuss the various technological challenges, potential solutions, and possible future-proofing of the hospitality, leisure, and F&B sectors.
Officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports, the latest edition of the longest-running hospitality trade show in the Middle East – which is co-located alongside Workspace, INDEX, Leisure Show, and KIDSPACE – featured a series of opening day Executive Think Tank panel sessions.
Jones, however, took a slightly different viewpoint. Explaining that Booking.com and Expedia represent some of Google’s biggest customers, spending billions to maximize their brand presence on the search engine, the idea that such aggregators are the enemy is to miss a crucial factor. Citing the CEO of Booking.com, Jones said it is essential that hotels do not forget that although aggregators spend much more, they bring – and only bring – the customers through the revolving door. The hotels still “own the relationship” and it is their responsibility to ensure a guest returns without the need for an aggregator next time.
“We have created a monster that will never go away,” Jones added. “So to future-proof your business and make sure you are more financially resilient, you need to be focusing on the right channels that are the most profitable – and that is the direct channels.”
At Leisure Show, Artem Avanesov, Chief Executive Officer, Banya Forrest, introduced the concept of “banya” during the opening day’s Leisure and Wellness Conference. Unlike saunas, which provide high temperatures, and steam rooms, which offer high humidity, a banya delivers both. The steam of a banya opens and clears the respiratory system, unblocking sinuses and helping users breathe more freely; while heat creates an artificial “fever” that stimulates the immune system.
“My personal goal is to introduce this concept to the Western world,” said Avanesov, who added that regular use of a banya helps combat common colds, viruses, laryngitis, and asthma, while the communal experience enhances mental health by fostering an environment that boosts serotonin levels. “Similar to how yoga and meditation have gained popularity over the past decade, I aspire to educate people about the benefits of banya because it’s a shame this knowledge remains largely unknown.”
Attendees at the Leisure and Wellness Conference also heard from Sara Brenninger, Manager, TechnoAlpin Spa; Mohamed Abdelsamiea, Head of Leisure & Sports, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Kuwait; and Mirza Ibracevic, Director of Recreation & Spa, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, who discussed contemporary leisure trends in the GCC, agreeing that the region’s fast-paced environment means hotels and resorts must be vigilant to keep up with trends.
In addition to technological and sustainability trends, leisure brands are also recognizing the rising popularity of sports such as Padel and the growing demand for wellness experiences that connect guests with nature. There is a belief that creating multi-sensory experiences is crucial for engaging individuals with their surroundings, including offering unique experiences such as simulating snow in the Middle East.
The conference also highlighted some of the challenges businesses face in keeping up with such trends, including lengthy approval processes that can result in missed opportunities, as well as the financial investment required to warrant the realisation of new ideas.
The three-day Hotel Show, as well as INDEX, Leisure Show, KIDSPACE, and Workspace, runs from 4-6 June at Dubai World Trade Centre. To register visit: www.thehotelshow.com
About The Hotel Show
The Hotel Show is the region’s largest trade event for the hospitality sector, establishing itself as the longest-standing event of its type in the Middle East and Africa. The Hotel Show is a platform that provides local and international suppliers the opportunity to showcase their innovations and products to the most comprehensive community of serious buyers in various categories, including hotel technology, operating equipment and supplies, food services, and HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering). Its 2024 edition takes place from 4-6 June at Dubai World Trade Centre. It will include a series of open and lively discussions among many of the industry’s leading figures under the theme ‘Transforming Hospitality Spaces with Product, Design, and Technology.’
For more information, please visit our website.
About Leisure Show
For more than 10 years, Leisure Show has been the go-to platform for visitors to source the latest innovations, meet and learn from global industry experts, and discover the paradigm shifts forecast within wellness hospitality. Acknowledging that imparting a thorough wellness experience is crucial for hotels and operators, Leisure Show is a platform for buyers to source the latest trends in the wellness and fitness industry. For more information, visit our website.
About dmg events
dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. With a presence in over 20 countries and organizing more than 90 events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment, food & beverage and transportation sectors. To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, Singapore, and India. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees. Our flagship events including the Big 5 Global, ADIPEC, Gastech, EGYPES, The Hotel Show, INDEX and The Saudi Food Show. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com. Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk).
With a presence in over 20 countries and organizing more than 90 events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment, food & beverage, and transportation sectors.
To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, Singapore, and India. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees.
Our flagship events include the Big 5 Global, ADIPEC, Gastech, EGYPES, The Hotel Show, INDEX, and The Saudi Food Show.
For more information visit www.dmgevents.com
Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, http://www.dmgt.co.uk).