The world´s largest trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management, which closed on Friday, May 13 in Munich, has turned in not only an increase in the number of exhibitors – it has also attracted more visitors than ever before: 51,310 trade visitors from 137 countries came to the fair. "The atmosphere in the halls was exceptionally business-focused and positive, very forward-looking really. The sector finds itself in a strong upwards trend," said Eugen Egetenmeir, Managing Director of Messe München.
 
Visitor numbers to transport logistic increased by seven percent, and most of that rise was accounted for by visitors from outside Germany. In total the number of countries of origin represented among the visitors rose to 137 this year, from 112 last time. "transport logistic 2011 is more international than ever before. It is a unique opportunity to meet up not only with customers and friends but also with our competitors," said Monika Ribar, CEO of Panalpina Welttransporte.
 
Transport policymakers were also impressed by the international scope of the fair. "In 2011 transport logistic has lived up to its reputation: it is the largest and most important transport and logistics fair worldwide. I am deeply impressed by the many exhibitors who are taking part, particularly from abroad. All parts of the world are represented here," said Germany´s Transport Minister, Dr Peter Ramsauer, at the opening event.
 
His colleague from Luxembourg, Jeannot Krecké, Minister of the Economy and Foreign Trade, concurred: "This trade fair is really tremendous. It would have taken a long time travelling to see all the CEOs that I have met here. You really do meet everyone here, in particular all the top people in the logistics business."
 
This opinion was also shared by the exhibitors – and what was more important to them was that in Munich they could get a real sense of the economic upturn. "The halls were amazingly full, our meeting rooms were booked up all the time. Business is picking up again and we in the logistics sector are the first to really feel the recovery in industry," said Katja Herbst, Member of the Divisional Board of DHL Paket Deutschland Vertrieb.