Havana - The HostelCuba fair begins its activities and exhibitions today, aimed to the country''s recreational industry and in which discussions will be held among professionals, investment forum and for the first time, a gastronomic forum.

The second edition of HostelCuba International Hotel Business and Catering Fair will include exhibitions of products from the sectors of Equipment and machinery for hotels and restaurants, Gourmet Area with food and beverages, Design and decoration, and Hygiene and cleaning.

It will also include other areas for Textile, household goods and uniforms, Equipment and services for the entertainment, leisure industry and tourist facilities, and Technology and advice for management and communication.

One of the main attractions is the presentation of the Gastronomic Forum, in which internationally recognized companies such as Rational, Resol, S.A. Damm and others, will participate.

National and foreign chefs will perform showcooking, that is, they will prepare dishes live and can be observed through screens in all halls, as well as tastings of gastronomic specialties.

All these activities will be supported by the Federation of Culinary Associations of the Republic of Cuba.

The event was organized by Pabexpo fairground, belonging to Palco Business Group, and Fira Barcelona, an important trade fair institution in Europe for its activity, fairgrounds and experience. It had the collaboration of the Cuban Ministry of Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba.

The latter organized about 300 meetings among exhibitors and purchasers to conduct negotiations directly.

About 3,000 professionals are expected to attend among importers and exporters who supply shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, architects and designers.

The HostelCuba fair will be held until Thursday, April 27th, at PABEXPO fairgrounds, with the participation of some 20 countries, including Spain, Bolivia, Canada, Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Panama and Mexico.