Record Visitor Numbers at HORECA 2017 Expo

The 12th International Hotel, Restaurant and Cafe Show HORECA saw a 20 percent rise in registered visitors, attracting a total of 125,000 professionals from 48,000 business of the hotel sector and the wider food market during February 10-13, according to the event’s organizer FORUM. The exhibition took place at the Metropolitan Expo Center in Athens.

Some 550 exhibitors showcased their new products and services at HORECA 2017, which aimed to provide hoteliers and food service professionals with modern and effective solutions, tailored to the needs and budget of each individual establishment or hospitality unit.

As noted by FORUM, the event this year saw an increased turnout of hoteliers and entrepreneurs from the foodservice market, which confirms that HORECA responds to the actual needs of the two main pillars of the Greek economy: tourism and foodservice.

Moreover, 56 percent of HORECA’s visitors were entrepreneurs and professionals from various Greek regions with large hotel capacity — South Aegean, Crete, Ionian Islands. Halkidiki — and from emerging tourist destinations — Peloponnese, Central and Western Greece.

The trade show also hosted a busy program of presentations, seminars and workshops, covering the entire spectrum of functions for hotels, restaurants and café-bars.

On the first day of the exhibition, the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels held its annual general assembly on the exhibition premises and saw a massive attendance.

General Assembly of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

The chamber also held a special event dedicated to its ongoing “Greek Breakfast” initiative aimed at promoting destination-specific products.

“Both exhibitors and visitors referred to the best HORECA of all times, noting the high level of organization and effectiveness of commercial contacts they gained during the exhibition”, FORUM said.

Next year’s HORECA will take place February 9-12 at the Metropolitan Expo Center in Athens.