The Mobile World Congress has closed its doors in Barcelona this afternoon after another successful year. The trade fair's director general, Constantí Serrallonga, and Barcelona's mayor, Ada Colau, reviewed this year's edition very positively, saying that it's been "one of the most successful". What's more, they're not worried that the congress might leave the city: "We're already preparing 2019's edition, and we have a contract signed until 2023," said Serrallonga.
It's staying
Asked whether John Hoffman, GSMA Ltd's CEO and director, had doubts about continuing to hold the sector's most important conference in the Catalan capital, both the mayor and Serrallonga were calm: "The Mobile is staying in Barcelona, we have at least 2019 assured".
Colau expressed satisfaction over the event's organisation. "The GSMA separates politics from the congress and, as a prerequisite to continue holding the event here, only ask for an atmosphere of safety and stability, as has been the case this year".
Economic impact
The economic impact reaches 471 million euros (£418 million, $575 million), according to initial figures, spread around the whole of Barcelona, principally the service sector. In addition, more than 13,000 short-term jobs were created, in various sectors both within and beyond the trade fair.