A staggering 2.5 million visitors and 500,000 dogs have
travelled from the UK and across the globe to visit Crufts during
its 20 year residency in the West Midlands.
According to figures from The NEC and the Kennel Club,
approximately 138,000 people visited the competition this year
alone - delivering an estimated £11.5 million boost to the
region's economy in just four days (Figures from Marketing
Birmingham).
The world famous competition, arranged by the Kennel Club,
celebrated its twentieth year at The NEC last week and has grown
over two decades to cover 90,000sqm of space - including five halls
at The NEC and LG arena.
Crufts relocated to The NEC in 1991 for its centenary show and
the venue has continued to support the competitions' expansion as
it introduced new elements such as the Agility display, Flyball and
Heelwork to Music.
Riach Ryder, Director of Operations for The NEC, said: "Crufts
is a highlight of The NEC's calendar and consistently one of our
most well attended events. It was a coup for the Midlands to
attract such a world renowned event in 1991 and we are proud to see
it grow both in size and popularity.
"We cannot emphasise enough how much Crufts has contributed to
the region's economy over the last twenty years. It has raised the
bar for events across the country and has delivered over 2.5
million people to shop and do business in our city. We look forward
to welcoming the Kennel Club back in 2012 and for many more years
to come."
Said Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director: "Since
Crufts was first held in 1891, the event has become an annual
celebration of healthy, happy dogs and the unique relationship that
they enjoy with the human race. This year as always Crufts was
jam-packed with fun activities, trade stands and events which
showcase the diverse role that dogs play in society, cementing
itself as the World's Greatest Dog Event. Holding the event at The
NEC not only provides the event and visitors with top class
amenities, it also ensures the show is easily accessible to
all.
Facts about Birmingham and the world's most famous dog show:
· Average of 28,000 dogs attend every year
· Over 400 trade stands
· The most expensive item sold at Crufts this year was a
hydro treadmill for dogs at £25,000
· Crufts is the second largest visitor event at Crufts,
overtaken only by The Clothes Show Live