DWTC surpasses 2007 record by 10 per cent

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the region's leading venue operator and events organiser, has reported a 10 per cent increase in visitor volumes for exhibitions, conventions and conferences at its venues in 2008, surpassing its 2007 record figures.

The venues – Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and Airport Expo Dubai – welcomed about 1.1 million visitors to exhibitions, meetings and conferences last year, driven by record growth in shows across a number of sectors that are core for the strategic development of the region. These sectors range from healthcare and construction to travel and technology.

The company's year-end results validate continued growth for the region's events industry, with many shows across a range of sectors showing strong growth in the number of exhibitors and visitors.

"We have shown consistent growth across all our business lines, reinforcing DWTC's position as the leading convention and exhibition venue, and underlining Dubai's capabilities as a world-class destination for business networking," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, DWTC. "Our long-term strategy aims to make Dubai the global hub for exhibitions and conferences, and 2008's performance, despite the global conditions, is evidence of our strong fundamentals."

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