The 2019 edition of The Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit (GIOHIS) kicked off in Abu Dhabi yesterday (February 4) at the Park Hyatt hotel.

Running till February 5, the summit will see business leaders, developers and key decision-makers gathering together to discuss the most pressing issues in the hospitality industry today.

Organised by HOFTEL, one of the world’s leading hotel property investment associations, and supported by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), GIOHIS 2019 is bringing together more than 250 top hotel owners, developers and operators from the Gulf, East Africa, Indian Ocean islands, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and Australia.

Discussions will cover topical issues affecting the industry such as changing investment opportunities, oversupply crunch, franchising and sector-associated economies. Participants are invited to attend a reception at the Louvre Abu Dhabi on the second night of their stay, and have been encouraged by the organisers of the event to get out and explore all the sights and attractions the capital has to offer.

There are a total of 75 speakers taking part in the summit, including Khalid Al Yahmadi, CEO of Muscat National Development and Investment Company; Simon Allison, chairman and CEO of HOFTEL; Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels; Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president development for Hyatt; and Ben Dedopulos, regional project director for Marriott Vacations Worldwide, as well as other leading names from the hospitality industry.

Speaking during the first day of the summit, Ali Al Shaiba, acting executive director of the Marketing and Communications Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are very proud that the Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit is now a regular fixture on Abu Dhabi’s business calendar. Supporting the hospitality sector is one of our major directives here at DCT Abu Dhabi, and this summit shows our serious commitment to the growth of the industry. As worldwide travel and tourism continue to rapidly grow, the hotel industry is continually expanding – particularly in countries in the Indian Ocean region. With this in mind, is extremely important that the hospitality sector invests in innovative, proactive strategies which will drive sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market.”

The programme for the summit features discussions entitled The Gulf and Indian Ocean markets – supply/demand balance is key; Changing investment opportunities as resort and leisure markets mature; Dealing with the oversupply crunch – slash rates to fill, hold out - or just cut costs?; Franchising – is now the time?; Creating a new destination – challenges and lessons to learn. - TradeArabia News Service

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