“Great optimism and lively business activity”

More than 48 000 trade visitors from 102 countries came to Cologne for the Gafa and Spoga events, with 52 per cent of the total from abroad. There was an increase of nine per cent in international visitors. These figures, which include estimates for today, the final day of the event, were announced in the concluding report issued by Koelnmesse. This means that the attendance figures have reached the 2003 level. The 1 210 suppliers at Gafa included an international contingent amounting to 70 per cent of the total. The fair organisers are calling it a “very successful” fair that was characterised by “great optimism and lively business activity”. The exhibitors reported “significant growth in business contacts and incentives” as a result of the increased proportion of visitors from abroad. Koelnmesse also summed up Spoga, which was held at the same time, in equally positive terms. This segment boasted a total of 1 213 exhibitors, 78 per cent of whom came from abroad.