(Finance) – TheCraftsman at the Fair. The 2024 edition of the Milanese exhibition dedicated to the world of craftsmanship and food and wine hosts 8 pavilions of Rho FIera over 2,800 exhibitors from 90 countries.
The first days recorded a record turnout, with an expectation of over one million visitors, replicating the success of the 2023 edition. The twenty-ninth edition occupies 8 pavilions as in previous editions, but offers around 300 more exhibitors and seven new ones countries: Eritrea, Oman, Georgia, Guinea, Latvia and Guinea Bissau, while Finland is officially present for the first time
The craftsman at the fair is there showcase of the world of Italian craftsmanship made up of over 4 million companies that employ 11 million peopleeffectively representing a true driver of integration, with over 16% of the workforce coming from other countries, and with more than 40% of female employment (data: Confartigianato). An industry which according to CNA is worth 154 million euros but which, due to the demographic decline, has lost more than 300,000 operators in the last ten years. Fortunately, the latest trends see a return of young people towards traditional businesses, which often bring new qualifications deriving from specific studies and international experiences.
The artisan’s offer at the fair ranges from clothing to furniture, including jewellery, ethnic collectibles, musical instruments, leather goods, typical products and decorations. There is also plenty of space for food and wine, of the approximately 2800 companies present, in fact, approximately 450 belong to this sector, as well as 27 restaurants and 20 places dedicated to food and drink tastings.
The cultural aspect of the event was further strengthened this year, with a rich program of workshops, demonstrations and shows which allowed the public to get to know the techniques and artisan traditions from all over the world up close. This year’s novelty in this sense is the “Bravo! of Masters of Art” which offers free workshops for adults and children.
This year’s guest of honor is Algeriawhose spaces hosted the inauguration which was attended, among others, by the Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchéwho underlined the importance of fairs to deseasonalize tourism and their positive impact on overnight stays, and the Minister of Education and Merit Giuseppe Valditarawhich presented the partnership with Algeria, aimed at creating higher education courses in the country, as already done in Egypt, Ethiopia and Tunisia. The objective of these courses is to train specialized personnel useful both for the local economy and for the numerous Italian companies operating in the country.
Another guest of honor isSaudi Arabiawhich celebrates the year of the camel with the largest exhibition area of the fair, between tourism promotion and high-level craftsmanship, probably paving the way for a future in which the Middle East will be an increasingly protagonist within the Milanese event.