Organiser of Beautyworld / Wellness & Spas Middle East 2004 reports increase in visitor and exhibitor numbers

Over 7,000 trade visitors came to visit the latest products and trends in the beauty, wellness and spa sectors; an increase of 30 percent compared to last year. Visitors came from the Gulf, Africa, Europe, the Near and Far East. The largest show to date hosted 434 exhibitors from 38 countries, exhibiting on 14,000 gross square metres. That means an increase both in terms of exhibitors (25 percent compared to 2003) and in exhibition space (2003: 9,000 square metres).

Exhibitors are reported to see an enhancement not only in the extent of the show, but above all in the quality of the attending trade visitors. As for example Nadine Heylens, Export Manager of Belgium based Pact Systems said: "We regard Beautyworld / Wellness & Spas Middle East as an interesting trade show on the calendar. Above all, this show has a much higher value than other shows in Hong Kong or Bologna. Both the quality and the quantity of trade visitors were good. Visitors at our stand came from throughout the Middle East region, such as Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Qatar, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. We made very good business contacts and achieved our objectives."

First time supporter and organiser of the Brazilian Pavilion, the Brazilian Toiletry, Perfumery and Cosmetic Association (ABIHPEC), were also very pleased with the results of the show and already decided to participate in next year's show.

Michael K. Bader, Senior Advisor & Co Chairman of Al-Bader Trading Co. concluded after the three day event: "The exhibition exceeded our expectations. The Gulf countries were well represented and the show was extremely well managed. We were able to successfully introduce our products to several quality distributors throughout the region. Above all, we were impressed by the quality of the trade visitors."

Again, this year the business results and the response of the professional visitors to the German companies were excellent. The exports of our industry to the Middle East and especially to the GCC countries continue to be a story of success. From 1998 until 2003 exports to the UAE did increase by 135 percent. So we are looking forward with great optimism to the next show in 2005 to further improve business based on the main elements of "Made in Germany": Innovation, high tech, product safety and environment consciousness of ingredients and packaging", said Udo Frenzel, Director Economic Affairs, German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW).

Wellness & Spas Middle East, the regions first international platform for the professional wellness and spa industry, was held parallel in hall no. 3 of the Dubai World Trade Centre and gave an impressive debut. Over 80 exhibitors showcased their products, treatments and equipment in this new section. Exhibitors and visitors favoured the organiser's decision to set up a new exhibition that focuses on suppliers of products, treatments and equipment for the use in spas, as well as on the worldwide facilities themselves.

La Ric from Austria/Germany, first time exhibitor in the Wellness & Spas section, was pleased with the result of the show. Sonja La Ric said: "We are very surprised about both the quantity and the quality of the trade visitors. There was a high demand for our products, especially from physicians and clinics. We regard the exhibition as a high value event for our company."

Stephanie Niazi, Owner of Holistic Body Essentials LLC, Dubai affirmed: "Beautyworld / Wellness & Spas Middle East made an impressive shift compared to last year. We could see more exhibitors and visitors this year, and a good mix of trade visitors came to our stand; among others operators of hotels."

Beautyworld / Wellness & Spas Middle East 2004 also held a conference and live performances on stage. A huge audience watched while renowned hair cutters and make-up artist gave a fascinating look into their stunning artwork.

Next year's Beautyworld / Wellness & Spas Middle East will take place from May 2 until 4, 2005 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.