Jordan Daily – Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Minister Emad Hijazeen on Tuesday opened the 10th edition of HORECA Jordan, the country’s largest international exhibition dedicated to the hospitality and food service industry.
The three-day event, held at the Jordan International Exhibition Center in Mecca Mall, runs from September 16 to 18 and brings together more than 180 local and international brands showcasing products and services for hotels, restaurants and catering. Organizers expect over 15,000 professional visitors from Jordan and abroad.
Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the Jordan Tourism Board, the Hotel Association, the Restaurant Association and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, HORECA Jordan has grown into a key regional platform since its launch a decade ago. It is part of the wider HORECA network, first established in Beirut 30 years ago and later expanded to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The exhibition includes international competitions, networking sessions and specialized meetings designed to connect suppliers with hotels and restaurants. Among the highlights is the Salon Culinary Competition, organized with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, where more than 160 chefs compete in 25 categories ranging from cooking to pastry. Members of the World Chefs organization and international judges are taking part in scoring entries.
Other contests include a barista championship with 18 competitors, an art of service challenge with 14 participants, and a bed-making competition featuring 24 hotel staff. Each year the bed-making contest introduces a new theme – last year “Romantic,” this year yet to be disclosed – to test creativity and skill.
HORECA Jordan also introduced a series of panel talks for its 10th edition. Sessions will cover topics such as the future of culinary creativity, strategies to boost Jordan’s hospitality and tourism growth, and innovations in food delivery.
Celebrity chefs including “Top Chef” winner Tareq Taha will appear alongside 12 international experts from the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). The experts will serve as judges and mentors, with winners receiving certificates, medals and prizes.
Exhibition organizers emphasized the exclusive nature of the event, which is open only to professionals in the hospitality and food service sector. “HORECA provides a vital platform for companies to showcase innovations, sign supply contracts, and strengthen Jordan’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem,” they said.
