Jonathan Worsley, chairman of co-hosts Bench Events, welcomed delegates to the event

The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference has kicked off in Dubai, with over 550 delegates meeting at the Madinat Jumeirah resort to discuss the latest trends in the regional tourism industry.

A noticeably upbeat AHIC was told “now is the time to invest” by Dimitris Manikis, vice president business development RCI EMEA, during the opening session.

“With everything that is happening in the world, it is impossible to tell what will come next, we must be brave and invest in the regi\on,” he explained.

The theme for the 2012 event is ‘Innovation through Collaboration’; exploring how growth and re-invention can be born through working together.

The 2012 event marks the eighth anniversary of the industry leading event.

Top of the agenda this year is an examination of how hotel operators can grow, innovate and improve their businesses in the Middle East through relationships with others.

Jonathan Worsley, chairman of co-hosts Bench Events, welcomed delegates to the event.

“With such dynamic and challenging conditions, in order to move forward the industry must adapt and do so in a consolidated manner,” Worsley told delegates.

“Over the last few years the Middle East has undergone severe economic and political upheavals.

“Through it all the hotel investment industry has adapted to survive.

“The external environment is constantly changing and the Middle East’s hotel investment community needs to find ways to stay on top.

“Innovation and re-invention are an integral part of this process as identified by our advisory board,” he added.

Speakers at this year’s AHIC event include H.E. Enrique Meyer, Minister of Tourism, Argentina; Tarik Senhaji, Chief Executive Officer, Moroccan Fund for Tourism Development and Kevin Wallace, General Manager, Hospitality Investment and Development Dutco Group and CEO, Jebel Ali International Hotels.

Take a look at the official website here.