BaselWorld 2009 attendance down 13 percent

Written by Alex Wolpo

The number of visitors that attended the 2009 Basel watch and jewelry show fell 13 percent to some 93,000 according to event organizers. Foreign buyers constituted 68.1 percent of the total visitor count, compared to 63.6 percent in 2008. Show organizers said 71 percent of attended surveyed said they intended to return for the 2010 event.

BaselWorld director Sylvie Ritter said at the show opening that a drop in attendance was expected due to the weak economic climate. The eight day show ended on Thursday April 2.

Some 1,952 exhibitors from 45 countries showcased their products over an exhibibition area of 160,000 square meters. Basel also attracted a large media contingent with 2,973 accredited journalists attending.

This post was written by Alex Wolpo. If you have any questions or comments you may contact him at alex@jewelerslounge.com