Jeddah - MENA Herald: On the 26th of this month (April), the 12th Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) will take place in Dubai at the Madinat, Jumeirah. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of Dubai Dept for Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates, the event is the region’s leading hotel investment conference and is renowned for its programme designed to tackle industry challenges directly.
Attracting attendees from all over the world, AHIC aims to encourage growth and strength for the tourism and hospitality sector in the region by securing and nurturing international investment. Since the beginning of 2016, six business briefing events have been arranged by AHIC and various sponsor partners in destinations including Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These briefings have given insight and colour to a range of topics which have shaped the official AHIC 2016 discussion programme.
Five ‘hot topic’ issues identified by AHIC include the drop in the oil price and the fallout that this has on the industry from an investment stance and a tourism point; how the industry goes about embracing change and how adaptable it is; addressing a new era in supply and demand, discussing whether Iran is a future ‘top five’ destination and security issues surrounding international travel.
From Tuesday 26th April delegates at AHIC 2016 will hear from some of the most experienced industry leaders across the packed three-day programme including Christof Rühl, Global Head of Research, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA); John Defterios, Emerging Markets Editor, CNN; His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; Arne Sorenson, President & CEO, Marriott International; Wolfgang Neumann, President & CEO, The Rezidor Hotel Group; Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotel Group; Mustafa Al Hashimi, Chief Hospitality & Leisure Officer, wasl; David Scowsill, President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council.
For a full list of the 119 planned speakers and subjects visit www.arabianconference.com.
In addition to the excellent line-up of speakers, there are a variety of different formats available throughout the event, designed to maximise potential business connections including evening receptions, break-out areas, networking lunches, speed networking, round table discussions, online networking and even onsite staff called Networking Angels who can assist delegates with making connections and introductions.
“AHIC is the region’s most important event that addresses the importance of investment into the tourism sector,” said David Scowsill, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council. “I am delighted to be a part of this year’s programme where I will be releasing new data and 10-year forecasts, highlighting this year’s theme ‘Eye on the Future’ and the significance of forward planning in the travel and hospitality sector in the region.”
“This year’s event is our twelfth AHIC, we are constantly looking for ways to offer fresh observations, engaging speakers and creative platforms for networking. By providing the right environment, we facilitate high-level discussions which shape the region and the industry’s future and as such, that is why AHIC is such an important event for all our stakeholders,” said Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, Managing Director Middle East of Bench Events.
AHIC 2016, 26th – 28th April, will hold its twelfth annual event this year and is organised through a collaboration between Bench Events and MEED Events. At AHIC 2015 more than 700 delegates attended the three-day conference from over 40 different countries and they were addressed by 120 industry leaders, speakers and panellists.