Visitor Numbers Fall 3% at Baselworld

(IDEX Online News) – The eight-day-long Baselworld featured 1,500 of the world’s most prestigious brands, but despite the 145,000 attendees, visitor numbers were down 3 percent on 2015.

"I have witnessed how just eight days of exhibiting at Baselworld can infuse the industry with immense positivity,” said president of Baselworld Exhibitors’ Committee, Eric Betrand. “The favorable feedback we've received, the outstanding business opportunities available, and the massive press interest will drive us forward constructively.”

Sentiment from the Swiss watch industry, which has suffered due to the strength of the Swiss Franc among others, was largely positive. Thierry Stern, president of Patek Philippe and Jean-Claude Biver, president of the LVMH Watch Division and CEO TAG Heuer said that they were optimistic for the remainder of 2016.

"Considering the political, economic, financial and monetary tensions in the world, I am still quite optimistic for 2016, taking into account our results during these days of exhibiting at Baselworld,” said Biver. “The general atmosphere at Baselworld has shown us that this optimism for our brands is shared by many of our retailers."

Other industry leaders noted that Baselworld is the key driver of the watch and jewelry industry, with momentum being generated for at least a year or even up to two years following the show.