Baselworld 2016, the show that is universally acknowledged as the unique platform for the top watch and jewellery industry, opened its doors in the presence of Swiss Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga.

With 1500 of the world’s most famous, prestigious and luxury brands exhibiting, more than 4000 journalists representing traditional and new media from around the globe attending, Baselworld 2016 is poised to once again capture the hearts and minds of professionals and consumers around the world. Baselworld 2016 is running from 17th to 24th March 2016.

“For eight days a year, Baselworld is the nerve centre for an entire industry that unites here to take the pulse of the business and discover trends,” said Ms Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld.

She went on to demonstrate with some impressive facts and figures what makes Baselworld so unique, stressing why no other show is equal to Baselworld. “No other event in the world brings together so many famous and prestigious brands; no other watches best brands or luxury jewelry presentation attracts 150.000 visitors from over 100 countries, or can claim the media impact of Baselworld.

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This show generates annually two billion Swiss Francs of economic benefit with some 13.000 jobs directly related to it.” Touching on the reality of today’s gloomy economic and political situation and its uncertainty, Mrs Ritter underlined that taking a tour through the amazing corridors of Baselworld would provide all the evidence one needed to realise that “the sectors of watchmaking and jewellery have an outsized ability to react, to take into account new situations and to adapt.

In other words, to maintain the momentum that has never ceased to be their own.” It is these very dynamics that have helped the industry reach levels that no one would have predicted 10 years ago.

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In the light of the present economic situation, Ms Ritter addressed the uncertainties of some exhibitors, in particular those of the small and medium businesses that unfortunately do not always have the means to cope with a drop in demand in the medium term.

Most importantly, however, is the fact that most exhibitors have remained loyal to Baselworld although they may be limiting their presence elsewhere. By way of conclusion, Ms Ritter unequivocally stated that the show will work tirelessly to reflect the needs and wishes of the industry, justifying the faith of its loyal exhibitors, “because they know that we will continue to move forward, continue to invest in the future, further increase the quality and attractiveness of the show to strengthen its leading position.”.

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