These reports ranged from the car importers to the white goods exhibitors.

GRTU has conducted its second survey among the trade fair exhibitors, which are mainly represented by the organisation. The survey focused on the general outcome of trade fair operations. Businesses were asked to comment on their overall performance and opinions.

58 per cent of those interviewed reported a decrease in sales turnover compared to last year. Of these, 52 per cent claimed that they had a drop of over 20 per cent. Only 14 per cent had sales improvement while 28 per cent estimated similar performance compared to last year.

Only 22 per cent managed to achieve the turnover they expected. 57 per cent said that they actually did worse than expected.

Meanwhile, 44 per cent registered sales improvement during the second week over the first week. 40 per cent recorded the same turnover as the first week with 16 per cent claiming a decrease.

Those who noted that visits to their stands increased compared to last year amounted to 26 per cent only. 45 per cent noted a decrease.

83 per cent think that the dates chosen for the trade fair are appropriate yet 52 per cent are also of the opinion that minor but specialised Fairs held throughout the year are affecting the overall performance of the general Trade Fair.

Nevertheless, 66 per cent think they will participate again in next year’s fair with 28 per cent are still unsure. Of those who will not participate again or still unsure, 50 per cent admitted that they are not recuperating costs. However, some comment that exposition in the trade fair is paramount if one wants to survive competition.

As a general comment, the trade fair used to attract far more people and generate far more business in past years when the price reductions used to happen only at trade fair time and when these were considerable. These days, there are sales going on all the time and many so-called trade fair reductions are not perceived to be real reductions at all.

Mainly, however, it all points out to people being far more careful with their money, with many jobs being under threat and with people generally being far more careful about the way they spend their money.

The full results are also available by e-mail. A soft copy is available from the GRTU Office, Republic Street,Valletta.