Over 1000 Delegates expected at Arabian Hotel Investment Conference

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman & CEO, Emirates Group has confirmed his ongoing patronage of the fourth Arabian Hotel Investment Conference. Delegate registration for the 2008 event looks set to break the 1,000 barrier mark, up an amazing 100% in just four years.

"We are thrilled to have His Highness Sheikh Ahmed confirm his support for the fourth year in a row, a true sign that AHIC is cemented as the significant event on the region's hospitality investment calendar," said conference organiser, Jonathan Worsley.

"Industry research has revealed that AHIC has become known as the place where introductions are made that enable new ventures and business opportunities in the sector to seed and grow.

"We believe that the surge in attendance over the past four years stands as a sign of AHIC's acceptance as the premier event for the region's hospitality investment sector! We expect to pass 1,000 delegates in 2008, up from just over 500 in AHIC's inaugural year in 2004."

The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will run from May 3-5, 2008 at Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah Convention Centre and is jointly organised by The Bench and Meed.

The 2008 event sees the introduction of a first-day Summit session, with India selected as the Summit's flagship topic.

"India's hospitality sector is fast gaining gear to accommodate international interest, both in business and leisure sectors, in a country poised for rapid growth," said Worsley.

He said that demand for upscale hotel rooms in India is on the rise, and so are prices. "Recent figures bear out this optimism with room rates in the major metropolitan centres rising nearly 40% this year over 2006, while global names such as Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Marriott and Hilton have all announced major expansion plans for India," Worsley concluded.

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