Crufts is ‘top dog’ for the region’s economy
21st Mar 2011
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
