Monday marked the opening of the 135th Canton Fair in South China's trade hub, Guangzhou, marking the third physical edition of this globally renowned trade fair since the COVID pandemic.

In the aftermath of pandemic setbacks, businesses turned to online platforms for survival, prompting concerns about the gradual decline of offline exhibitions. Despite efforts by the Canton Fair to facilitate remote communication for exhibitors, questions arise: Are offline exhibitions losing prominence?

A year ago, social media buzzed with claims of waning interest among international buyers. What do the statistics reveal? And how robust is the recovery of Guangzhou's MICE sector?