Jordan Times
Sunday, September 18, 2005
5th International
Hospitality Forum opens Tuesday
By Dalya Dajani
AMMAN — Some of the world's leading food service,
catering and hospitality businesses will be showcasing their latest offerings at
the 5th annual International Hospitality Forum (IHF), which opens here on
Tuesday.
The three-day forum, which brings together over 130 companies in the field, will
be introducing the services, talent and creativity of those in this
fast-developing hospitality industry.
This year's IHF will see a remarkable increase in participants, and include
representatives from the UK, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Turkey, the US and
Iraq.
The Italian Trade Commission in Amman is grouping more than 20 Italian companies
in its pavilion who will be displaying various products related to the
hospitality industry.
Australia will be participating at the IHF 2005 for the first time with around
five companies specialised in food processing, meat, charcuterie and
hospitality. In addition, Meat & Livestock Australia and the Wine Australia will
be taking part through AusTrade in Amman.
Due to the large number of participants, the IHF organisers relocated the forum
from its original venue at the Zara Expo to the more spacious grounds of the
Amman International Exhibition.
As with every year, the IHF will start off with an awards ceremony recognising
the efforts of several leaders in the Kingdom's hospitality and tourism sectors
in providing quality services.
A wide range of activities is also on the programme including cooking, fruit
carving and wedding cake competitions.
Some 90 top Jordanian chefs will also cook meat and vegetarian dishes before a
panel of judges at the 4th annual Culinary Art Show.
These competitions fall into 11 categories including chocolate showpieces, cake
decoration, pastry and sugar pieces, gastronomic creations, vegetarian dishes
and others.
Among these are the wedding cake, chocolate and sugar showpiece, cocktail pastry
pieces (French petit four), 48 canapé, three-plated desert presentation, cold
platter of fish, poultry or meat, and a three-course set dinner menu.
Several hotels, restaurants and pastry shops are taking part in these
competitions, which will be judged by an international jury of expert chefs.
The IHF will add a new spin to its activities this year by bringing in interior
designers and decorators to display the latest fashion in window design at the
“Window Fashions” contest where they will create sample windows for restaurants
and cafés.
A jury of prominent architects, designers and restaurant owners will judge these
entries.
The organisers have also prepared a list of seminars, workshops and meetings
related to tourism, hospitality and foodservice industries.
The IHF 2005, co-organised by Hospitality Services in Lebanon and Events
Unlimited in Jordan, is accessible for trade visitors and professionals only.