Beirut, 01 March 2019: Under the patronage and in the presence of the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, H.E. Mr. Avedis Guidanian, Hospitality Services held a press conference on 1 March 2019 at Eau de Vie, Phoenicia Hotel Beirut, to launch the 26th edition of HORECA Lebanon, the region’s premier hospitality and foodservice event, which takes place at Seaside Arena from 2-5 April 2019.
During the conference, H.E. Mr. Guidanian gave a speech addressing the guests. Other speeches were delivered by the Organizer and the presidents of the syndicates and associations: Joumana Dammous Salame managing director of Hospitality Services; Zafer Chaoui, president of the Union Vinicole du Liban; Ahmad Hoteit president of the Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industries; Pierre Achkar, president of the Syndicate of Hotels Owners; Maya Bekhaazi Noun, treasurer of the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Nightclubs and Pastries in Lebanon; Yehya Kassa, president of the Lebanese Franchise Association and Fady Gemayel, president of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists.
“For a Better Industry,” the 2019 theme, aims to highlight the importance of various activities to improving the overall state of the hospitality and foodservice industries in Lebanon, such as waste management strategies, supporting local producers and promoting entrepreneurship.
It is anticipated that 18,000 professionals will visit HORECA to explore the 10,000 sqm of exhibition space where they can discover the latest products and services from more than 300 local and international exhibitors representing countries including Australia, France, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Poland, Turkey, UAE and USA.
From live cooking challenges to forums and roundtable discussions, HORECA Lebanon boasts an action-packed program of over 20 daily events and competitions. More than 70 international experts and guest chefs will attend the four-day trade exhibition in order to share their know-how and judge a variety of exciting competitions.
“We are proud to offer trade professionals a valuable platform where they can network and do business. HORECA is gateway for companies to showcase their latest innovations and ultimately promote all the exciting developments shaping the hospitality and foodservice industries in the region,” said Joumana Dammous-Salame, managing director of Hospitality Services, the event organizer.
The official opening of the 26th edition of HORECA Lebanon will take place at Seaside Arena on 2 April 2019 at 12:30 pm at Seaside Pavilion.
Over 900 talented hospitality and foodservice professionals and junior chefs will participate in a variety of challenges that reward creativity and excellence. Popular events at the exhibition include the Hospitality Salon Culinaire, the Junior Chef Competition, the Lebanese Bartenders Competition, the Lebanese Barista Competition, the Bedmaking Competition, the Art of Service Competition and the National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Contest.
Furthermore, the Atelier Gourmand will host the country’s top French chefs, while wine tasting masterclasses with leading international wine experts will take place at the Wine Lab. Elsewhere, the Annual Hospitality Forum will tackle the hottest topics in the industry with key speakers from around the world.
In addition to the regular features, new events taking place at the 26th edition include the Mocktail Competition and the Latte Art Competition. HORECA Lebanon will also host two special events to highlight Lebanese flavors: Al Matbakh, where well-known Lebanese and international chefs will put their talents on display in a variety of cooking workshops to honor local food heritage, and the Arak Lab, giving the opportunity to local arak experts to share their expertise.
About Hospitality Services Sarl
Founded in 1993, Hospitality Services specializes in planning, organizing and managing regional hospitality and foodservice shows, conventions, forums and bespoke events. The firm’s annual events include HORECA Lebanon, The Garden Show & Spring Festival, Travel Lebanon, Beirut Cooking Festival, Salon du Chocolat Beirut and Whisky Live Beirut. It has also franchised-out HORECA to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan.
In parallel, Hospitality Services produces three publications with dedicated digital platforms: Hospitality News Middle East, a go-to source for the latest news, trends, developments and industry forecasts, Taste & Flavors, a lifestyle and cooking reference, and Lebanon Traveler, a tourism magazine.