Hospitality sector comes under spotlight during two-day event

Northern Ireland's hospitality industry will be under the spotlight over the coming week as Hospitality Exchange 2003 opens in Belfast.

The two-day event begins on Tuesday at the Ramada Hotel, and is organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF). Over the past five years, the exhibition has gained a prominent place in the calendar for the hotel, bar, restaurant and contract catering sectors.

NIHF President, John Mooney, said: "Tourism is a vital part of the infrastructure of Northern Ireland. The theme of this year’s Hospitality Exchange is ‘Something for Everyone’ and the content of the programme seeks to address all the major issues facing the sector."

Hospitality Exchange allows suppliers to the industry to showcase their latest products and services, and a line-up of international speakers will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Victor Jordan, director of Invest NI’s Business Improvement Service (BIS) which sponsors the event, said that it was essential for Northern Ireland to be "kept abreast of the latest trends in global hospitality".

He added: "This will enable the industry to introduce changes which will provide the enhanced services and culinary experiences that customers are increasingly demanding.”

The highlight of Exchange 2003 is the presence of celebrity chef Raymond Blanc, who is Chef Patron of Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxford where his culinary expertise has won him two Michelin Stars.

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