BARCELONA — Organizers of the World Mobile Congress said Wednesday they have canceled the world's top mobile trade fair due to fears stemming from the coronavirus that sparked an exodus of industry heavyweights.
"The GSMA has canceled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event," a statement said. A source close to the event had said that organizers were wary of being left with a cancellation bill of about 100 million euros. They faced resistance from authorities about declaring a health emergency in Spain which would allow insurance to cover the costs.The annual congress normally draws more than 100,000 people, including between 5,000 and 6,000 participants from China, organizers say.
"During the 4 days of the congress, the hotel is fully occupied with the highest rates of the year. There's no other week like it," he said, with his words echoed by fellow hoteliers. Trade shows have been hit by the virus on several continents, and while Asia's biggest airshow in Singapore went forward nonetheless, more than 70 exhibitors canceled.The cancellations began on Feb. 4 when South Korea's LG Electronics, which occupies one of the largest spaces at the show, said it was pulling out to "remove the risk of exposing hundreds of LG employees to international travel... as the virus continues to spread across borders".
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