Dubai: The fourth Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (Ahic) opened yesterday under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group.

According to conference organiser, the event has reported 100 per cent increase in delegate registration compared to last year.

"We believe the surge in attendance stands as a sign of Ahic's acceptance as the region's premier event for the hospitality investment sector," Jonathan Worsley, the organiser of the event.

India

The opening session will cover potential opportunities to the burgeoning hotel investment market in India.

This session will feature topics such as market trends, industry overviews, investment and growth opportunities and business development challenges.

According to Worsley, the two regions - India and the Gulf countries - share many characteristics in the development of their hospitality sector.

The agenda for the 2008 conference will cover topics such as the environment and sustainability, pipeline dynamics, new destinations, staffing, fractional ownership, Abu Dhabi's proposed tourism positioning, Sharia-compliant hotels and design issues.

Ahic 2008 attracts investors, developers, operators, financiers, consultants, architects and design specialists, further confirming the dynamism of the regional hotel industry.