Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mrs. Maha Al Khatib, will patronize the opening of the country’s 10th International Hospitality Forum (IHF) to be held from 25 to 27 October 2010, which Jordan’s Events UnLimited and Lebanon’s Hospitality Services in collaboration with official bodies, international and local organizations, and trade unions will organize.

In a press statement, Mrs. Al-Khatib stressed on the importance of organizing such a forum, especially with the increasing number of tourist facilities and their need for hotel equipment, as well as food and lodging services. Khatib pointed out that the annual exhibition contributes to the successful development of tourism services and offers an ideal opportunity for international companies to enter promising regional markets, in addition to being an important window for local industry to enter both domestic and world markets.

Recognizing that the Forum, held for the tenth consecutive year in Jordan, pushes the development of the hospitality and tourism industry forward, Khatib added "Hospitality is the key to success for the tourism sector. The Forum is a vital event that helps in activating an exchange of hospitality cultures and services between Jordan and the rest of the world."

The Minister said that in addition to it being a dynamic tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors annually, the Forum also enhances the national economy and contributes to its development through the gathering of European and Middle East countries, and the strengthening Jordan's relations abroad.

A large number of regional exhibitors, specializing in hospitality and foodservices, are expected to participate, as well as delegations representing various associations and organizations, in addition to leading industry professionals eager to learn about the latest developments in this sector.

IHF 2010 will feature a specialized exhibition for hotel and tourist project, restaurant, bakery, hospital, café, shop, shopping mall and other facility requirements. Products on display will include food and beverage, kitchen and laundry equipment, cleaning materials, packaging materials, self-service, tableware, electronic equipment, software and professional uniforms, amongst many others. The Forum will also feature several culinary competitions, a bed making competition and a table setting competition, as well as many informative training sessions.