WAM Dubai, 15th May 2012 (WAM) - The Hotel Show 2012 was inaugurated this morning at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre bringing together 420 hospitality supplier companies from across the region.

The 13th edition of the show was inaugurated by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline, and is expected to attract industry professionals from more than 94 countries throughout the Middle East, the Levant and North Africa region.

"We are delighted that HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has given his support to The Hotel Show," said Frederique Maurell, event director for The Hotel Show.

"As the gateway to the MENA region and the most direct route to the fast-growing hospitality sector in these markets, the show continues to grow year on year. We have once again received excellent response from exhibitors and partners, and look forward to a record breaking exhibition." Running until May 17, this year's show also includes the first Middle East Hotel Show Awards.

The Middle East Spa Awards, which attracted 77 entries, recognised the outstanding quality of services and amenities provided by spas across the region.

At a grass roots level, the Student Design Awards sponsored by Woods Bagot, will award a highly prized internship at the architectural and design practice to the winning student for Hotel Design of the Future.

The Green Initiative, a show feature introduced last year highlights those exhibitors offering sustainable, energy efficient and eco-friendly solutions from all sectors of the industry.

The Green Day programme of seminars and workshops on Monday May 16, in conjunction with DTCM, will provide valuable insights on sustainability, environmentally responsible policies and green technology being implemented by the hospitality sector around the world.

WAM/TF