Domotex Middle East 2007 has reported a 22 per cent increase in visitor turnout.

Organisers said 6, 326 visitors from 92 countries attended the event, establishing Domotex Middle East as major international show.

Domotex Middle East 2007, the region’s only specialist carpet and flooring exhibition, opened its doors for a second showing attracting 6,326 visitors – an imposing 22 per cent increase, easily surpassing its record breaking debut in 2006 which delivered 5, 200 trade visitors.

Officials say 269 exhibitors (an impressive 12 per cent increase on 2006) from 37 countries conducted business with trade professionals from 92 nations, representing a tremendous 30 per cent upswing on the 2006 geographic footprint, firmly establishing Domotex as one of the largest international trade shows in the Middle East in just two years.

“Hands down, DOMOTEX Middle East, in only its second year, has become the most important international show for flooring in the region,” said Susanne Klaproth, director Domotex exhibitions.

“This year, the whole show was on a grander scale, with many major deals completed and important relationships sealed before the close of the first day alone.

'Feedback from new exhibitors indicates that they have met many first-time buyers,' said Klaproth.

This proves that there are so many products and services on offer underlining DOMOTEX Middle East’s position as the region's most comprehensive flooring event covering all segments of the industry.

'The geographic catchment of the event demonstrates a particularly healthy turnout from the GCC, the Middle East, with Iran, India and Pakistan among the top visitor groups.

“The turnout from Europe has been particularly strong from the UK, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. We’ve even seen visitors from as far away as Australia.”

Attendees had the perfect opportunity to see thousands of product lines under one roof, many never seen before in the region and meet first-time exhibitor representatives from Cyprus, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Norway and Poland. In addition to the country pavilions from Belgium, China, India and the US, this year's show also welcomed the country pavilion debuts of Afghanistan, Austria, Germany and The Netherlands who are looking to return in 2008.

Jan van Dijk, sales manager, Vifloor Non Wovens BV, said:

“We made the decision to join the Modint organised Netherlands Pavilion at DOMOTEX Middle East 2007 to familiarise ourselves with the regional market and attempt to join the Emirates in its growth.

“We have achieved that and more, as we now have a good understanding of the regional market, and have received nothing but high quality decision-makers to our stand, with a positive outcome resulting from most.”

The show proved once again to be a great place to write orders with the majority of the exhibitors already planning to return in 2008.

Dubai-based wood flooring specialist Alomi reported excellent returns at the show with more orders to follow.

“This year, as usual, was an excellent show. 

“We have easily made $1 million on the stand alone during our three days at Domotex Middle East and this is just the tip of the iceberg as we are still in talks with the many, many quality visitors that came to our area.  I have collected about 300 business cards and each one is an extraordinary business opportunity to explore,” said Simon Braschler, Middle East sales director, Alomi.

Assad Ahrali, deputy managing director of UAE company MEGA Carpets, was also upbeat about the shows ability to generate on floor sales and longer term business prospects.

“We have already sold almost 10 containers and it seems this is only the beginning. Also, on our first day, we met with customers who are looking to create long term working relationships with us. We are looking forward<