Int'l expo for hotels, restaurants kicks off in Bulgaria's capital

Covering some 7,500 square meters, the four-day event features over 100 exhibitors, which represent more than 260 brands from Bulgaria and abroad.

SOFIA, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- The 23rd edition of the international exhibition SIHRE kicked off in the Inter Expo Center here on Tuesday offering products and services for restaurants, hotels, and the catering industry.

Covering some 7,500 square meters, the four-day event features over 100 exhibitors, which represent more than 260 brands from Bulgaria and abroad, ranging from cook and chill systems to pool robot cleaners and door locks.

One of the exhibitors, Ivaylo Kanchev, B2B channel manager at TP-Link Bulgaria, told Xinhua that it was participating in the event to promote its business solutions for networks and video surveillance.

"We have completed projects in some of the top hotels in Bulgaria," Kanchev said.

Slaveyko Milanov, a visitor, said he came to explore new industry trends and found the well-organized exhibition with its attractive stands to be a pleasant experience.

Milanov, an importer of restaurant and kitchen equipment, said the demand for hotel equipment was driven by renovation needs, the pursuit of new appliances, and emerging technologies.

Adrian Panteleev, a pizzaiolo and baker for over 20 years, prepared pizzas and baked goods on site for the demonstration. At the exhibition, he demonstrated Italian equipment such as ovens, along with ingredients like dough and flour.

Panteleev said he was happy and satisfied with his profession. "You have to do it with your heart," he said.

A group of 25 students from Sofia Vocational High School of Tourism, led by teacher Yulia Pandzherova, attended the expo. Pandzherova said she brought them to inspire enthusiasm for the profession, demonstrate its possibilities, and connect them with a successful alumnus. ■