Bench Events News
Euromonitor: Bright future for tourism in Sri Lanka
A report into Sri Lanka’s tourism has confirmed that the Indian Ocean island currently offers some of the region’s best opportunities for investment. The report – produced by Euromonitor International - is not uncritical: infrastructure still needs to be improved; airport capacity is lagging behind demand and telecom connectivity is still a problem. But it goes on to say that these issues are being addressed by a Sri Lankan government that has realised the golden opportunity that tourism offers the island as it emerges from years of conflict.
Sri Lanka unveils tourism development zones to boost visitor numbers
Sri Lanka has announced plans to attract tourists back to the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ with the launch of themed tourism development zones. The new areas are a public-private sector initiative backed by the ministry of lands, the ministry of tourism and the Sri Lanka Tourism Club, a government-recognised group of industry leaders. At least five, and up to eight, themed international tourism and family entertainment zones are being designated in state-owned land, selected for their outstanding natural beauty.
Iran Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference to debut in 2017
Iran is to host the first Iran Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference, a top-level gathering of international investors, owners, operators, developers and government officials. In addition to rich reserves of oil, gas and metals, Iran has a promising consumer sector with a well-educated population of 80 million inhabitants.
Africa Hotel Investment Forum set for Rwanda
The seventh Africa Hotel Investment Forum, being hosted this year in Rwanda, promises a highly influential line-up of speakers, ready to unpick the major challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry in Africa. AHIF brings together a prestigious group of international investors, business leaders, industry experts, government ministers and officials, from over 50 countries.
Bench to launch Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, one of the top two emerging hotel and resort markets in Asia, is to host the first Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference, a top-level gathering of international investors, business leaders, government ministers and officials. President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, is supporting the conference as patron and speaking at the presidential residence in Colombo, the venue for the official launch.
AHIF 2016: Praise for Togo tourism investment
In the run-up to the first Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Lomé, the organiser, Bench Events, has praised Togo’s commitment to far-reaching infrastructure improvements destined to boost economic growth and transform the country into a strategic transport hub in west Africa. Matthew Weihs, Bench Events managing director, said: “We’re very pleased to be hosting an additional AHIF in Togo at this decisive time, as the country embraces a number of important projects that will enhance its standing as a significant investment destination.”
AHIF: Outlook bright for African hotels as steady growth gets underway
Growth in the African hotel sector has reached a new level of maturity with less reliance on foreign visitors and increased demand from local businesses, according to a new report from global hotel consultancy HVS. The 2015 African Hotel Valuation Index, published to coincide with the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, reports that African hotel brands such as Azalai, City Lodge and Protea are trading well, with a number of hotel investors showing faith in the continent.
Global Restaurant Investment Forum links with Michelin
Global Restaurant Investment Forum, the world’s leading event for the restaurant investment community, today announced a new strategic partnership with the Michelin Group. This partnership firmly secures GRIF as the must-attend industry event for restaurateurs, investors and other industry stakeholders from across the world.
Bench Events expands team as portfolio grows
Bench Events has been on a recruitment drive, recently adding four members to its global team. The company is incubating three to four investment conferences which it plans to launch during the next 12 months, alongside IHIF in Berlin, AHIC in Dubai, AHIF in Africa, and others it already operates. Each of these events will bring the investment community together in new markets that have enormous potential for growth.
Spain to host Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum
Bench Events and Questex Hospitality Group have announced that the Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum 2015 will be hosted in Spain in collaboration with Study Let O4. The event will take place at the NH Collection Eurobuilding in Madrid from November 9th-11th. Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench Events, has highlighted “the increasing interest of investors in the opportunities offered by hotel and tourism industry in the Mediterranean region deserves an event of this kind”.
Bench Events prepares to launch Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum
Bench Events and Questex Hospitality Group, organisers of the International Hotel Investment Forum, have revealed they will host the inaugural Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum. The event will take place from November 9th-11th, at the NH Collection Eurobuilding Hotel in Madrid.
AHIF headed to Kigali, Rwanda, for 2016 event
The government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board, will host the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in 2016 in Kigali. AHIF brings together the leading international hotel investors in Africa with local operators, ministers, government officials and industry experts, to discuss all aspects of hotel investment and operation in Africa. The decision to host AHIF in Kigali underlines a clear strategy by Rwanda to attract investment in the tourism sector.