Gulfood show fills venue to capacity with 12% growth in visitor numbers
Dubai The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) yesterday reported a year-on-year spike in event-related traffic with over 1.65 million visitors attending major trade fairs in 2011.
The DWTC also reported a 7 per cent increase in exhibiting companies from over 120 countries.
"As financial prudence and austerity continue to be worldwide priorities, our focus in 2011 was to build on the strength of Dubai's stability and provide an immensely secure networking base connecting not just international buyers, investors and high-growth regional markets, but also industry experts, business leaders and associations, to promote an active dialogue and consequently generate sustained economic activity," said Hilal Saeed Al Merri, CEO of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
DWTC said there was an increase in attendance figures across all exhibitions, led by larger events including Arab Health, Gulfood, Gitex Technology Week, the Dubai Air Show, Big-5 and the Dubai International Motor Show.
Hospitality exhibition
Gulfood, the drink and hospitality exhibition, maxed out the million square feet of venue space, adding 12 per cent growth in visitor numbers.
Despite being held during a period of regional volatility, the four-day trade fair drew participation from over 150 countries.
Gitex Technology Week surpassed attendance records in international participation bringing together 138,836 trade visitors and 3,500 exhibiting companies from around the world.
Gitex Shopper attracted 169,018 prospect buyers and generated over Dh193 million in sales over its eight-day duration for its exhibitors -- a 10 per cent increase over 2010.
The Dubai Air Show provided a resurgent boost to the industry with large-scale investments of $63.3 billion (Dh232 billion) in aircraft and infrastructure, more than quadrupling its previous show bookings.
© Gulf News 2012
