Financing trends and structures in hotel projects and developments in the Middle East are just two of the core subjects under the spotlight, according to conference organiser, Jonathan Worsley.
Banking experts representing banks from the region, and international markets, are set to address issues such as what is a lending 'sweet spot' and looks at size, location, brand, borrower and return on capital as possible criteria that may influence approval. They will also discuss how lenders can better structure deals.
Worsley said that continued liquidity to finance investment is crucial to development of the hospitality sector as he noted that the abundance of local funds played an instrumental role in the surge in hotel developments in recent years.
"The region has always had its peculiarities in terms of hotel ownership and the type of finance available, and at a time of change, this key topic is of vital importance," he said.
The session (May 4), 'Why aren't the banks lending and how to structure a successful deal to get the money', features
- Robert Garden, Regional Managing Director, Royal Bank of Scotland;
- Rod Taylor, Head of Hospitality and Tourism, Europe Arab Bank;
- Wahid Attalla, CEO Spectrum Consultants;
- Elias Hayek, Vice President Legal, EAME Division of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide; and
- John Podaras (moderator), Associate Director, TRI Hospitality Consulting.
The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will run from May 2-4, 2009 at Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah Convention Centre and is jointly organised by The Bench and MEED.
The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference is organised by Bench Events and MEED Events. Details can be found on www.arabianconference.com.
Source: Property World Middle-East
