A whole stream of buyers from the Gulf States has been coming to HostMilano for years: but why do they come to Milan and how do they view the International Hospitality Exhibition? We asked them at last October’s event. This is what they had to say.

For Mohammed Muravvar, of the United Arab Emirates and attending HostMilano for the second time last year, the event was an amazing experience, particularly after the standstill caused by the pandemic. “It’s always a pleasure to meet people from different locations, especially from Italy, and it’s always better to be able to touch the products physically.”

What were you looking for at the fair? “I am interested in new technologies and innovations, especially sustainable products that will support the planet, and I’m finding different suppliers here. And I did find new products, new technologies and new innovations. It was a great opportunity to meet different vendors, especially from Italy, a country known for product quality and durability.”

There is a growing sensibility in the Emirates for organic and sustainable products that limit the use of plastic, ones that are themselves made from recycled plastic, are durable and offer good value for money.

Ishita Singh, who is also based in the UAE, deals in supplies for hotels and out-of-home eating: “This is the first time I myself have come to HostMilano and I was particularly struck by the breadth of products. We will certainly be coming back. It is certainly an unmissable event and you really do need to be there yourself, because there’s nothing like personal contact with suppliers: when you come in person you get to feel and touch the products. From an organisational point of view, I especially appreciated all the help that was on offer and how the anti-Covid safety measures were organised. The matching service works well and it was extremely useful.”