DWTC posts 12% rise in visitors to 2009 events

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has achieved a 12 per cent increase in visitor volume for exhibitions, conventions and conferences at its venues in 2009.

Exhibitor numbers also topped 2008 figures by 2.5 per cent with a total of 31,197 exhibiting companies, said a statement. The company's year-end results demonstrate continued growth of the region's events industry, as well as an increase in business confidence, with many leading shows across a range of sectors reporting growth in exhibitor and visitor numbers in 2009, it added.

Despite global economic uncertainties, the DWTC venues – Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and Airport Expo Dubai – welcomed approximately 1.24 million visitors across exhibitions, meetings, and conferences last year.

"These figures clearly demonstrate our effectiveness in positioning Dubai as a business destination to regional and global markets, and is a testimony to our capabilities in hosting world class business and networking events," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre.

DWTC-organised exhibitions posted positive results over 2009. Gulfood boasted a 16 per cent growth in visitor traffic and a 20 per cent increase in show space.

Dubai International Boat Show attracted over 730 exhibitors while Gitex saw 133,780 visitors, and Gitex Shopper, attracted 150,019 buyers, a 13 per cent increase over 2008, emphasising their role as key business drivers for the regional ICT sector, the statement said.

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