Ahead of Expo 2020, HN had an exclusive talk with Gillian Hamburger, senior vice president – commercial, at Expo 2020 Dubai to see how’s the show expected to affect the hospitality industry in the whole country.
According to her, the World Expo will create commercial opportunities for businesses of all sizes, including those operating in the hospitality and tourism industries.
“Throughout Expo 2020, tourism and hospitality companies will have access to millions of visitors, as well as participants’ employees and families, many of whom will be in the UAE for the first time. We expect international markets to account for 70 percent of our visitors – all of whom will be seeking accommodation and world-class tourism offerings,” she told HN.
As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, visitors will want to take home a momento to remind them of their experience. “Expo 2020’s licensed product range will include everything from artisanal chocolates, dates, coffee and regional fragrances, to high-end leather goods and collectible medallions made from precious metals. We want our licensed products and merchandise to be a way to share the culture and heritage of the UAE and Dubai with millions of people.”
She also explained that there are multiple opportunities for F&B outlets, ranging from fine dining and casual dining to snacking and impulse purchases. “Overall, we anticipate revenue of AED 2 billion (USD 544 million) to be generated by F&B operators at the Expo 2020 site,” she revealed.
To know more about the event and its effects on the hospitality industry, stay tuned for the full interview in HN’s coming issue.
USD 544 million anticipated to be generated by F&B operators at Expo 2020
According to her, the World Expo will create commercial opportunities for businesses of all sizes, including those operating in the hospitality and tourism industries.
“Throughout Expo 2020, tourism and hospitality companies will have access to millions of visitors, as well as participants’ employees and families, many of whom will be in the UAE for the first time. We expect international markets to account for 70 percent of our visitors – all of whom will be seeking accommodation and world-class tourism offerings,” she told HN.
As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, visitors will want to take home a momento to remind them of their experience. “Expo 2020’s licensed product range will include everything from artisanal chocolates, dates, coffee and regional fragrances, to high-end leather goods and collectible medallions made from precious metals. We want our licensed products and merchandise to be a way to share the culture and heritage of the UAE and Dubai with millions of people.”
She also explained that there are multiple opportunities for F&B outlets, ranging from fine dining and casual dining to snacking and impulse purchases. “Overall, we anticipate revenue of AED 2 billion (USD 544 million) to be generated by F&B operators at the Expo 2020 site,” she revealed.
To know more about the event and its effects on the hospitality industry, stay tuned for the full interview in HN’s coming issue.
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