The results published by the CCI Paris Île-de-France through its barometer of trade show activity in the Paris region at 2022. It all depends on the frame of reference used to measure the recovery in the previous financial year. Pointing to a " good momentum "The authors of the study can look back on a year of impressive growth. Whether in terms of visitor numbers, exhibitor numbers or stand floor space, the rebound compared to 2020 and 2021 is clear to see, as the figures in the new barometer show. The Paris-Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry also points out that not a single show has been cancelled. However...
This 2022 barometer still suffers considerably from the comparison with pre-pandemic levels. And the authors of the study cannot help pointing out the gap that remains. Visits to exhibitors (-14.9%) and above all visitors (-26%), as well as the surface area of stands (-17.5%) have not caught up with 2019 levels.
Foreign customers are singled out, as are certain key events. The Paris-Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry's barometer highlights the fact that " The weaker results for visitors from the general public were largely due to lower attendance at the Paris Motor Show. Without the World Motor Show, attendance at consumer shows would have been down by just 19.5 %. It should be remembered that this World Motor Show was held against a backdrop of crisis in the automotive sector, a strike and fuel shortages. It also took place over 6 days, compared with the usual 12, and in the absence of many manufacturers. ".
The rebound in activity in 2022 will therefore not be enough to satisfy the CCI Paris Île-de-France. This is understandable, given the loss of revenue quantified by the barometer for 2022. Referring to the impact of not only the health crisis, but also inflation and the energy crisis on trade fair activity in the Paris region in 2022, the CCI estimates that the region will lose €1.1 billion in economic spin-offs. It is also estimated that €4.4 billion in sales will not have been made by companies as a result of this situation.
Now is the time for good resolutions for those involved in business tourism in Paris Region, who should be able to count on a (slightly) less unfavourable international context. Starting with the reopening of Chinaconsidered to be an excellent signal ", " good news for Paris Region trade shows ". However, we will have to be patient, as the heads of the Paris Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry point out: " While the end of the "zero Covid" strategy is an excellent signal for business tourism, the return of Chinese customers is unlikely to be immediate. In fact, the very high level of circulation of the virus, the revival of international business by Chinese airlines and the introduction of a compulsory screening test of less than 48 hours for entry into France are likely to delay the return of this clientele by several months. "...
