ITALY - The 53rd edition of the Salone del Mobile totaled 357,212 visitors, up 13% from the 2013 edition.

“Our goal was to make this the best Salone del Mobile in the world and the results have far exceeded our expectations,” said Claudio Luti, president of the Salone del Mobile. “Buyers, journalists and designers have seen at first hand just how superlative and creative our production chain is, recognizing the value of Made in Italy manufacturing and the global importance of the Salone.”

This year’s edition was also more international than ever, visitors arrived from over 160 countries. “This edition of the Salone del Mobile has confirmed the crucial role of exports for the sector” Roberto Snaidero, president of FederlegnoArredo said. “Almost half our manufacturing sales over the last year have been to other countries, as the strong presence of foreign visitors shows only too clearly.”

The 2014 edition marked a powerful synergy with the city of Milan, the creative capital capable of attracting thousands of visitors to design week with the Welcome Project, launched this year in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan and its Department of Fashion and Design. More than 100 students from Milan’s design schools were deployed to greet visitors at information points set up at focal points throughout the city.