Another Luga failure puts Messe Luzern in a tight spot

Messe Luzern on Tuesday justified the cancellation of the Central Switzerland adventure fair with the trade fair ban, which the Federal Council had issued in October 2020 for an indefinite period, as well as with the current development of the pandemic. This brings a great planning uncertainty.

Various scenarios for Luga 2021 have been worked out in recent months, the statement said. However, the adventure fair lives from proximity and contact opportunities. Because of the necessary protection concepts, however, it sees no chance to organize the fair in 2021 in the known form.

Each attracted 120,000 people

The Luga takes place every year at the end of April/beginning of May on the Lucerne Allmend and attracts around 120,000 visitors. It had already had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the corona pandemic.

For Messe Luzern, this means that once again the trade fair with the highest sales will be cancelled. For the current financial year, which ends at the end of June 2021, a decline in sales of 95 percent is expected. The company's financial situation is consequently described as "strained" in the statement. Until the summer, however, operations can be maintained without further layoffs, it said.

Messe Luzern benefits from the fact that Lumag AG, which owns the exhibition buildings, is granting it a rent reduction of CHF 3 million. The survival of the company can also be supported with one million francs each from insurance benefits and its own reserves. In addition, there will be short-time working compensation and cost-cutting measures.

One ray of hope for Messe Luzern is the cantonal Corona vaccination center. This also helps to keep the company alive, it was added. From autumn 2021, however, it must be possible to hold trade fairs and events again. (SDA)