The forecasts are based on a report by the Chamber of Commerce in Milan. The new facility, owned by Italian trade fair organiser Fiera Milano SpA, was inaugurated on March 31, 2005.

According to the report, business tourists in Milan will spend on lodging 1.164 bln euro per year, accounting for 57 pct of the total spending, and 877 mln euro on other services.

A total 350. 8 mln euro will be spent by businessmen visiting Milan on restaurant services. The annual spending on clothing is expected to total 158 mln euro. Business tourists in the province will spend 99 mln euro on urban transport and taxis and other 55 mln euro in bars and cafes.

The Rho-Pero fair complex will cover a 530, 000 sq m built-up area. The trade fair centre will include eight exhibition pavilions of 40, 000 sq m each. The new complex is expected to work at full capacity by 2006, and the estimations are that it will employ up to 43, 000 and will have an annual turnover of 4. 3 bln euro.