Horeca Press Conference 2017

Hospitality Services held a press conference under the auspices of the Minister of Tourism, H.E. Mr. Avedis Guidanian, on March 23^rd 2017 at Phoenicia Hotel Beirut to launch the 24^th edition of HORECA Lebanon, the region's premier hospitality and foodservice event. HORECA will take place fromthe 4thtill the 7th of April at BIEL, opening daily from 3 pm till 9 pm.

The press conference included speeches delivered by H.E. Mr. Avedis Guidanian, Minister of Tourism; Mr. Zafer Chaoui, President of the Union Vinicole du Liban; Pierre Achkar, President of Lebanese Hotel Association & Lebanese Federation for Tourism Industries; Mrs. MayaNoun, Treasurer at the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafés, Night Clubs and Pastries; and Mr. Mounir Bsat representingDr. Fadi Gemayel, President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), and Mr. Ahmad Hoteit, President of the Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industries(SLFI).

This year's event takes place under the theme "From Lebanon to the World," paying homage to the nation's most unique flavors which have gained popularity on an international scale and made of Beirut the "Best International City for Food" by Travel + Leisure magazine.

The press conference brought together presidents of associations and syndicates from the foodservice and hospitality industries, restaurateurs and hoteliers, as well as the media who highlighted HORECA's prominent role in supporting the tourism sector, and shaping the hospitality and foodservice industries in Lebanon.

For 24 years, the exhibition hasreceived excellent reviews from exhibitors and visitors alike, who describe it as a vibrant platform for trade professionals to network, synergize and explore the latest innovations and products. This edition will once again provide a gateway to discovering more than 2,500 eminent brands from over 350 local and international exhibitors from nations including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Czeck Republic, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Turkey, Spain, Syria, UAE, and USA.

The four-day event boasts an action-packed programof over 10 daily events, from cooking demonstrationsto forums and roundtable discussions. More than 25 international guest chefs, food, beverage and service experts will attend HORECA to share their know-how and to oversee a variety of competitions.

High-profile guests confirmed to date includethree Michelin star German chef Thomas Buehner, world pastry champion and best pastry craftsman of France Thierry Bamas, president of the Greek Chefs Federation Karoubas Miltiadis, president of the Jordanian Chefs Association Khaled Bou Eid and president of the French Association of Barmen Guy Musart.

"HORECA is committed to providing a platform for the industry to meet annually and engage in positive dialogue. It is gateway for companies to network, showcase their latest innovations and ultimately promote all the exciting developments shaping the hospitality and foodservice industries in the region," says Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, the firm behind HORECA.