Gitex floor space bookings up 31%

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the organisers of Gitex Hyderabad and Computer Shopper, today said that they had registered a 31 per cent increase in floor space bookings over the previous year.

DWTC expects the four per cent sales tax exemption accorded to the exhibition to boost sales of computer hardware and software.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Hitex International Exhibition Centre in Madhapur (Hyderabad) from January 12 to 14, 2005.

Gitex Hyderabad, this year, has attracted IT majors such as Microsoft, Satyam, BenQ, Siemens, Acer, Brother, Visual Soft, Sierra Atlantic, Dubai Internet City, Olympus, ADP Wilco, Rittal, Remittag, Infotech, Zoom Technologies and RAM among others confirming its position as a premier exhibition for IT and communications industry.

"The gross floor space at the event has practically doubled while the net space has gone up from 1,088 square metres in 2004 to 1,426 square metres this year and we are still getting last minute inquiries," Christina Nicholson, DWTC general manager exhibitions, told a press conference.

She said that the response has been encouraging from both within India as well as strong representation from overseas with as many as 90 companies scheduled to exhibit this year (up 15% over 2004).

"We have confirmations from from China, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Pennsylvania, South Africa and Taiwan," Nicholson added.

Gitex Hyderabad Computer Shopper is organised by DWTC, in association with the IT & Communications Department of the Andhra Pradesh government, with the objective of providing the region with an opportunity to showcase its immense business potential while offering a solid platform for business transactions and a showcase for new innovations.

To ensure a higher footfall at the event DWTC have joined hands with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to give visitors another reason to visit this event by including an all expenses paid trip for two to Dubai for one lucky winner.

The promotion titled 'Visit Gitex Hyderabad Computer Shopper and win-a-holiday-to-Dubai' offers one person a trip for two people to one of the most attractive holiday destinations in the region.

The winner will fly business class on Emirates, the national carrier of the UAE, and will be provided with five-star accommodation for three nights (four days) with comprehensive itinerary covering Dubai's major tourist attractions.

Two conferences are also being held at the same time as Gitex Hyderabad - Animation India 2005 "� organised by Nasscom and Enabling Technologies for Smart Appliances organised by IEEE.

Gitex Hyderabad in 2004 had attracted around 6,300 visitors. The figure represented a 40 per cent increase over the 2003 edition of the show and the organisers are expecting a major increase in footfall due to the enhanced profile of the show this year.