Igeho - Closing Report: Igeho indisputably still the industry's most important meeting point

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23 November 2011
Closing Report: Igeho indisputably still the industry's most important meeting point
The Swiss hospitality industry views the future with a greater degree of optimism than is frequently being reported at present. Initial surveys amongst the more than 800 exhibitors at Igeho 2011 have shown that the sector is currently making considerable investments. Some 75,000 people came to Igeho, the International Exhibition for Hotels, Catering and Extra-Domestic Consumption in Basel. They made intensive use of this, the biggest industry platform for Switzerland and the regions over the border as a source of inspiration, innovation and contacts. Igeho's status as the most important event for the catering and hotel trade remains unchanged. This specialist fair continues to be the undisputed firm fixture in the diaries of all professionals in the hotel and catering trade every two years. From 19 to 23 November 2011, a total of 74,727 people visited the exhibition in the Messe Basel halls. This meant that more than a third of all those employed in the hospitality sector went to Igeho – an excellent figure. At 88%, the share of professional visitors was at a high level once again, with more than two thirds of these being directly involved in the decision-making process. High quality in all the different sectors Igeho ranks amongst the top events of its type in an international comparison. The sophisticated stands had an impressive and comprehensive array of products and services on display, with a both a broad and in-depth range for the hospitality industry. Special presentations such as the "World of Inspiration" in the furnishings sector, the Igeho chefs' arena and the "Fascination Coffee" exhibit met with a particularly favourable reaction. A large number of accompanying events, plus the presentation of the host region of South Tyrol, rounded off the highly versatile offerings at Igeho. The initial results of the visitor surveys revealed a highly positive picture. Of those questioned, 96% stated that they would be coming to the next Igeho again, which is being held from 23 to 27 November 2013 in the new halls at Messe Basel. In addition, Igeho 2013 will be presenting the internationally renowned "Salon Culinaire Mondial" competition for international teams of chefs. Mefa: synergies with the meat industry In parallel to Igeho, professionals from the meat trade met up at the Mefa fair. Several thousand Igeho visitors took the opportunity to further their contacts with the meat specialists. The highlights of Mefa 2011 included the Swiss Championships for the best apprentices in the meat trade and the Swiss-sausage presentation: "Schweizer Würste – Saucisses suisses". Media Contact Daniel Buser, Head of Communications Igeho Telephone +41 58 206 22 73, daniel.buser@igeho.ch Photographs for illustration purposes are available in the download section of the media page at www.igeho.ch