Under the patronage of Lebanese Minister of Tourism, H.E. Mr. Avedis Guidanian, Hospitality Services celebrated the official opening of the 25th edition of HORECA, the annual meeting place for the hospitality and foodservice industries, on Tuesday March 20, 2018, at Beirut’s Seaside Arena (formerly known as BIEL). The ceremony was attended by presidents of associations and syndicates, prominent figures in the hospitality and foodservice industries as well as media representatives.
This year, HORECA is held under the theme “From Lebanon to the World,” giving eminence to Lebanese flavors that have become popular on an international scale and highlighting Lebanese achievements in the hospitality and foodservice industries.
For his remarkable and unprecedented achievements in the hospitality sector, Mr. Nouhad Dammous was awarded by the International Hotel and Restaurant Association, represented by Dr. Ghassan Aidi.
Furthermore, the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafés, Night-Clubs and Pastries, in partnership with Hospitality Services and under the patronage of the Lebanese Tourism Minister, honored five Lebanese pastry owners during the opening ceremony for their pivotal role in elevating Lebanese cuisine.
Lebanese Minister of Tourism, H.E. Mr. Avedis Guidanian, inaugurated the 25th edition of HORECA and congratulated the organizers on reaching this milestone. He spoke about the importance of the exhibition in highlighting Lebanon’s prowess in the hospitality and foodservice sectors in addition to the wonderful platform created for the nation’s talented professionals to showcase their skills.
Joumana Dammous-Salamé, Managing Director of Hospitality Services, the event organizer, said: “HORECA’s success is maintained year after year, and we are proud to provide trade experts a platform where they can meet, network, exchange ideas and explore new products. We are always keen on presenting new concepts, exemplified this year by our celebration of local flavors, the culinary arts and Lebanese hospitality as well as more diverse programs that include more forums, discussions, workshops, sessions and many contests.” She added: “Our aim is to exhibit the latest innovations, to showcase the best talents and to shed light on Lebanon’s most prominent players in this industry. HORECA fosters positive dialogue and promotes new job opportunities to boost the hospitality sector. It also activates Lebanon’s position as a market leader, enhances trade and solidifies ties with the entire region.”
Undoubtedly, HORECA shines a bright light on Lebanon’s hospitality, gastronomy, restaurants, chefs, experts, entrepreneurs and key players, and acts as a positive medium for young talents and professionals to showcase their skills through a wide variety of competitions. Staging more than 25 daily events, competitions and live cooking workshops before a local and international audience of thousands, HORECA has become known for rewarding creativity, talent and excellence. This year’s exhibition will feature more than 350 exhibitors showcasing over 2,500 brands and new products. The four-day exhibition will gather in excess of 15,000 trade visitors and 30 top international experts from the world of food, beverage and hospitality.
Pastry shops honored at the HORECA opening ceremony:
| Name | Founder | Year of Establishment |
| Amal Bohsali | Selim Bohsali | 1878 |
| Rifaat Al Hallab 1881 | Rifaat Al Hallab | 1881 |
| Hallab Kasr el Helou1881 | Abdel Rahman al Hallab | 1881 |
| Doueihy | Georges Doueihy | 1936 |
| Al Baba Sweets | Mohamad Beshir Al Baba | 1950 |
HORECA testimonials
H.E. Mr Raed Khoury, Minister of Economy & Trade “I would like to thank HORECA for its continuous efforts to ensure the success of the exhibition. Its economic benefits to Lebanon are crucial in developing the tourism industry and services sector which constitutes main pillars of growth. I am therefore delighted to welcome all participants and wish them a very productive participation.”
H.E. Ghazi Zeater, Ministry of Agriculture, Lebanon “With every new edition, HORECA continues to host and register more successes despite economic and trade difficulties as a confirmation of its founder’s unshakable conviction in a better Lebanon. The ministry of agriculture’s participation in this year’s event aims at further promoting its food products, an industry that constitutes one of the strategic pillars to economic growth. We wish HORECA more success in the coming years.”
Ghassan Aidi, President, IHRA “HORECA Lebanon has become the most important show in the Levant region and Mediterranean countries. Organized in a great way, the show brings together various hospitality professionals under one roof while offering a broad range of equipment as well as live competitions. It literally is the only show not to be missed.”
Mohamad Choucair, Chairman, Lebanese economic organizations “HORECA has, for the past 25 years, been the ambassador of the art of table and the main promotional tool of Lebanese cuisine as well as the food and beverage industry. Hospitality is at the heart of Lebanese tourism and HORECA is its main pillar.”
Fady Gemayel, President, Association of Lebanese Industrialists “The Association has always been working hard to provide local industries with a viable manufacturing atmosphere and the F&B sector is considered one of the country’s most valuable entities. Similarly, HORECA, the Middle East’s leading hospitality and F&B platform played a leading role in promoting Lebanon’s agro- food and related sectors. It has become a reference attracting all major stakeholders.”
Tony Ramy, President, Syndicate of RCNP “HORECA is a reference for all hospitality professionals and nothing brings me more pleasure than seeing professionals under the same roof exchanging expertise and launching new businesses together. I consider Nouhad Dammous the “godfather” of this industry, whose dedication has been nothing short of exemplary. I therefore congratulate the organizers and wish them fruitful years ahead.”
Pierre Achkar, President, Lebanese Hotel Association “On behalf of Lebanon’s key hospitality professionals, I would like to extend Hospitality Services my warmest congratulations on HORECA’s 25th anniversary. I would also like to reaffirm our readiness to strengthen the bond we share and am confident that our successful collaboration will continue to grow and expand. We wish you continued success, prosperity and global expansion.”
Ahmad Hoteit, President, Syndicate of Lebanese Food industries “Since its launching in 1994, HORECA has succeeded in becoming the region’s major trade show in the food sector. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, I seize the opportunity to pay tribute to the founders of Hospitality Services for their devotion, dedication, endless services and support that benefited many throughout the industry.”
Zafer Chaoui, President, UVL “HORECA is a brilliant event where we meet our partners showcase our offerings and sign new deals. As Lebanon’s only approved provider of the WSET program, HORECA has allowed us to recruit students and improve the reputation of Lebanese wine professionals. As for Hospitality News Middle East magazine, it is our reference for noteworthy trends. Long may it last!”