With more than 100 participants, the second Saudi International Hotel Equipment and Technology Exhibition 2016 (Hotel Expo) concluded yesterday. The event was sponsored and inaugurated by His Excellency Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and organized by the Saudi Al-Hadba Company for Exhibition and Conference Organization at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Center.
Encouraging investment in the hotel sector
Al-Rajhi expressed his admiration and interest in the exhibition, which featured all types of hotel equipment required by accommodation facilities, visiting the participants" booths to review the modern technologies and services offered by the participating companies and entities that would advance tourism and the hotel industry in the Kingdom, noting the need to encourage investment and investors in this vital and important sector. His Excellency honored a number of sponsors and exhibitors at the opening ceremony, attended by many prominent leaders and a significant number of attendees and visitors.
On the sidelines of the opening, some participants provided detailed explanations of their products and services through the forum and accompanying workshops, offering a closer look at developments, technology, and equipment in the hotel sector, as the exhibition showcased to its visitors the extent of technological advancements and hospitality services in the hotel sector.
A diverse range of hotel supplies
For his part, Bilal Al-Barmawi, Executive Director of Saudi Hill MICE, explained that the exhibition was distinguished by the diversity of offerings from more than 100 specialized companies, including international participants from the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Italy, and Turkey, who showcased numerous smart technologies in the fields of lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, and remote control, in addition to many modern services and products featured at the exhibition, Al-Barmawi expressed his pleasure and gratitude to His Excellency Engineer Al-Rajhi for his visit and for opening the exhibition. He also thanked the sponsors and participants for their cooperation, hoping that the exhibition would serve as a launching pad for further technological advancements and discoveries in the Kingdom. Al-Barmawi emphasized that they are striving to place this exhibition on the agenda of leaders and officials, as the hotel sector is considered one of the Kingdom’s key investment sectors.
Supporting and Localizing the Hotel Sector
During the exhibition, there was a large turnout of interested visitors and industry professionals who expressed their admiration for the exhibition and its accompanying events and workshops, which addressed many important topics, including recruitment and staffing services for hotels, tourist resorts, and restaurants, as well as the state of the Saudi hospitality industry. The events also addressed quality standards for tourist accommodation and the creation of a conducive environment for investment.
The events also addressed supporting and localizing the hotel sector and training Saudi personnel capable of bringing about positive changes in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Workshops on hotel equipment technology
The closing day featured a number of accompanying events and workshops that addressed various topics related to hotel technology and equipment, including interior design, technology, resorts, food and beverage, construction, furnishing, and smart control systems.
The session also addressed hotel technology, including how to effectively purchase, implement, and evaluate it, as well as how to create distinctive service and build one-of-a-kind experiences to achieve sustainable results. The classification criteria in the hotel sector were also discussed, along with the importance of service quality and how to create an atmosphere that attracts tourists.
