In 2008, Malaga's Tradeshow and Congress Centre registered a turnover of 6.83 million euros, with an incremental sales volume of 35.44 million euros since opening. Likewise, the centre's direct running costs were down 6% from last year.
Since opening more than five years ago, Malaga's Tradeshow and Congress Centre has become one of the city’s engines of economic growth; the creation of companies related to the meetings and event industry, the opening of new hotels and restaurants, a wider selection of leisure activities and services, and improvements in transport and infrastructures are a true reflection of the positive impact it has had on the city. The events held at the centre last year generated more than 119 million euros for the local economy.
Business tourists’ daily spending varies depending on the size of the destination, according to the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) last report on business tourism in 2007. The report also shows that in cities of between 500,000 and one million inhabitants – which is the case of Malaga – business tourists spend on average 451.18 euros per day. If this figure is multiplied by the total number of delegates attending events, the centre indirectly generated 50.76 million euros, which was spent mainly on accommodation, shopping, leisure activities, restaurants and transport.
Figures for Spain
Due to the economic recession, the number of events hosted by Spain’s tradeshow and congress centres is down by 30-50%. As regards the congress segment, the crisis has affected 67% of the centres that are members of the Spanish Association of Congress Centres (APCE).
