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| FIBO 2009 Confidence predominates, cautious optimism prevails: the financial and economic crisis notwithstanding the fitness and wellness industry does not at this stage expect things to go downhill. The wind at their backs rather than a risk of recession is what those familiar with the industry feel especially where health issues are concerned, a field where market opportunities will further increase in future. This is the result of the "2009 Industry Study" for which 500 studio operators were interviewed. Although the overall economy is ailing, the growing health consciousness among the German population can obviously be relied upon: "Health conscious individuals meanwhile clearly take place one as the target group of the future, " confirms Ralf Würtenberger, author of the "2009 Industry Study" which will be presented at FIBO. For more than 60 percent of the studios surveyed, the target group of health conscious individuals is by far the most important target group; two years ago when the previous industry report was compiled, a mere 20 percent of studios surveyed were of that opinion. In this context the 50 plus age group who become regular members in larger numbers turned out to be the bearers of hope for the future, being less affected by the economic downturn. Studios also notice this trend: especially the services in the 50 plus and Medical Fitness fields keep booming as before. Studios are prepared for this: almost 62 percent of the establishments questioned position themselves actively in the health and medical segment. This trend is also quite obvious at FIBO. With FIBOmed as a joint stand in Hall 7 which sees itself as the interface between the fitness industry and the medical profession, FIBO further expands its health segment. With its new subtitle "Fitness, Wellness & Health" FIBO also denotes the change the industry has undergone over the past few years. This is confirmed by a look into the halls - again fully booked - which are reserved for suppliers of training equipment: meanwhile almost all manufacturers of renown developed their own product lines certified for use in medical practice. The same applies for the diagnostic sector. Here again fitness and health are moving ever closer together This also makes for a positive climate at FIBO. Currently there is every indication that FIBO will again record an increase in the number of exhibitors as well as in area. "For us, the signals of crisis are still very limited, " is how FIBO Director Olaf Tomscheit sums up the current booking levels. The marked expansion of FIBO's international character over the past few years also proves a correct move now: "We have a larger number of financially solvent visitor groups coming to Essen from abroad nowadays: that also gives us additional breathing space." write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Exhibition News :: home page |