India shows expanded for 2006 – will now include India’s first dedicated food and hospitality exhibition

“Our first ever shows in India showcased 134 exhibitors from 12 countries, and attracted 4,143 visitors” said Kim Willis of dmg world media Dubai. “This was a clear demonstration of India’s massive market potential. The highly positive response of exhibitors and visitors, combined with extensive research undertaken to identify other industry sectors that had potential for a dedicated exhibition, we have decided to launch Hospitality International India (HII) alongside III and ICON from 2-4 May 2006”.

Demand is already so heavy that four halls will be needed to house the international and regional exhibitors who have already booked space. “The three shows have support from official government bodies and associations around the world, including the State of Saxony in the Federal Republic of Germany – we see the shows expanding even further as a result of this” added Willis.

The timing for the launch of HII couldn’t be better. The Indian Government is in the process of expediting land allocation for 40 new five-star hotels in Delhi to cope with the huge numbers of tourists that will visit the country during Commonwealth Games in 2010. Mr. H. R. Bhardwaj, Union Minister for Law and Justice, said it was time for the travel industry to be more proactive in promoting India as a prime tourist destination.

The number of foreign tourists visiting India in 2004 reached an all-time high of 2,983,453 (up from 2,406,943 in 2003) and this is generating further expansion of the hotel sector, which is currently booming. For the 12 months to February 2005, revenue per available room in hotels throughout India (mid-market and above) increased by 29% compared to the same period in 2002.

A strong economy and increasing inward investment have elevated India's international profile, while evolving business dynamics continue to present the hospitality industry with further growth potential. Recent government initiatives (including the liberalisation of the airlines and tourism awareness campaigns such as 'Incredible India' and 'Atithi Devo Bhavah') are helping take India one step closer to achieving its true potential.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, has announced the signing of contracts to operate three new hotels in Bangalore from August 2007, with over 1,000 rooms. From December 2008, Shangri-La will also operate a 330 room business retreat and spa located on the outer ring road in the IT corridor, about three and a half miles from Bangalore airport. A second phase will include 200 additional rooms and 200 serviced apartments.

UK based Le Meridien Group, which has 10 hotels across India, has outlined plans to double its base to 20 hotels by 2009. India tops Le Meridien's list as a priority destination in Asia, as all of their hotels in India are profitable and average occupancy in 2004 was 83%.

“India's tourism industry is still in a nascent stage of growth and industry experts believe that it will grow considerably” said Willis. “Combined with the strong momentum of the construction sector, there are massive business opportunities for companies involved in the food and hospitality industries. We know that the 2006 event will be even bigger and better - adding Hospitality International India further broadens the overall appeal and will attract an even larger number of visitors”.