WAM Dubai, 16th April 2012 (WAM): The Hotel Show, the largest full spectrum hospitality supplies event for the MENA region, is set to deliver its most international show to date, with more than 45 countries, 13 international pavilions and over 420 leading suppliers and consultants participating in this key regional industry event. Running from 15th - 17th May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the show celebrates its 13th edition this year.

With home markets delivering little or no growth for many of the world's hospitality sector suppliers, the fast growing Middle East and North Africa region provides excellent business growth opportunities. According to the February 2012 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report, more than 498 hotels, totalling 134,893 hotel rooms are forecast for completion in the Middle East by the year end, a clear indication of the market potential.

Companies from countries as far afield as China, Italy, France, Germany, UK, Vietnam and the USA are confident of strong business opportunities at The Hotel Show. Now a well-established platform for all sectors of the hospitality industry to showcase and source products and services, the show is expected to welcome more than 15,000 industry professionals from more than 93 countries to Dubai for the three day event.

"The Hotel Show is now internationally recognised as one of the key supply and sourcing platforms for the region's hospitality industry. This is a position that we continue to expand on through the showcasing of the broadest range of products, services and technologies for the hospitality sector," said Frederique Maurell, Event Director of The Hotel Show. "A significant percentage of the visitors at The Hotel Show are decision makers, so the diversity, range and competitiveness of exhibitors are critical for the success of the show. We are looking forward to a record year." Highlighting the international stature of the show, a total of 13 international pavilions will host specialist companies from their respective countries. This year sees record participation from a number of countries, including Italy, which this year brings 56 companies to Dubai; Germany, which brings 25 companies; and more than 40 individual exhibitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In addition to the unrivalled business opportunities that The Hotel Show offers, the show also provides a platform for recognising industry excellence, including this year's inaugural Middle East Hotel Awards which reward design, product and service excellence in the regional hospitality industry.

More than 59 submissions have already been received for eight award categories. The Middle East Spa Awards, the region's premier spa awards return for the third year, recognising the outstanding quality of services and amenities provided by spas across the region. The awards had a record number of 77 entries this year. The Student Design Awards, sponsored by Woods Bagot, this year focuses on The Hotel Design of the Future, with the winning student earning an internship with the international architectural '&' design practice.

WAM/TF