AHIC 2009 Highlights

AHIC 2009 was a resounding success with over 700 leaders of the hotel investment community gathering at the Madinat Jumeirah for three days of learning, networking and lively discussion.  

Highlights included the Summit on Saudi Arabia lead by HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz which provided real insight into how to break into the Saudi market and where the key development opportunities lay; the AHIC Investment Den which showcased new and exciting projects from around the world and our two leaders’ panels which provided insight from the likes of Gerald Lawless, Chairman of Jumeirah Group; Eric Danziger President & CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group and Jacques Stern, CFO and Deputy CEO, Accor. 

The evening networking receptions proved a great success with attendees meeting new contacts and old friends late into the night.  The Jumeirah Group hosted a lavish Arabian themed opening reception at the lovely Mina Al Salam hotel.  The second night saw AHIC attendees enjoy Emaar’s hospitality at the flagship property for their new brand, The Address Downtown Burj Dubai.  Attendees made new connections in the shadow of the Burj Dubai and were treated to spectacular displays from the Dubai Fountain.

View 2009 programme
View and download images from the 2009 event
View 2009 presentations

AMEinfo.com Interview:
HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulazis Al-Saud speaks to Phil Blizzard

Breaking Travel News Interviews at AHIC 2009:
Paul Bell, Managing Director, Aldar Hotels
Mohamed Fathy, Sales Director, Port Ghalib, Egypt
Lorens Ziller, Partner, Elisabetta Gucci Hotels
Thierry Loue, CEO Mid-East & Africa, Jones Lang Lasalle
Ed Fuller, President & Managing Director, Marriott
Edmund OSullivan, Chairman, MEED Events
William E Heinecke, Chairman & CEO, Minor Hotels
Filip Boyen, VP Operations, Orient Express Hotels
Anthony Liddiard, CEO, RMAL Hospitality
Selim El-Zyr, CEO, Rotana Hotels
Ahmed M Al-Essa, Saudi Arabia Commission for Tourism
Bernard Bohnenberger, MD, Six Senses Resorts & Spas
Robert Gaymer-Jones, CEO, Sofitel HMC
Roeland Vos, President Europe, Africa & Mid-East, Starwood
Raymond Bickson, Managing Director & CEO, Taj Hotels
Will Whitehorn, President, Virgin Galactic
Eric Danziger, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotel Group