The organisers of MIPIM property festival have today reaffirmed their commitment for the event to go ahead - despite firms pulling out due to fears over the deadly Coronavirus outbreak.
Officials have today issued a statement saying despite the situation "continually evolving", "90%" of firms remain committed to attend the event.
Organisers Reed MIDEM added that it extended "best wishes" to firms including Knight Frank, Cushman and Wakefield, PGIM Real Estate and Landsec, who have announced they will no longer be sending teams to Cannes.
The statement added that dedicated medical teams will be in place at the south of France event - "working with city and health authorities to ensure that any delegate will have access to full medical treatment and guidance in the unlikely event that it is required".
The full statement from Reed MIDEM said:
"Firstly, we extend our best wishes to those clients who have made the very difficult decision to not attend MIPIM 2020. We do not underestimate how challenging this decision has been for them. They are long-standing members of the MIPIM family and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2021.
"However, whilst we appreciate the situation is continually evolving, as of today more than 90% of companies remain committed to attend MIPIM. Therefore, we re-confirm that MIPIM will run as scheduled on 10-13 March.
"Our decision is based on current facts and guidance from local, national and international authorities including the World Health Organization. There is no travel ban in place across France, and France and Cannes are not identified as areas of concern.
"We are pleased to confirm that our programme of content remains inspiring with major keynotes and senior figures including mayors, political leaders and key stakeholders from the real estate industry. Investor participation continues to be strong with many reaffirming their support.
"MIPIM will have a dedicated medical team in place in Cannes and will be working with the city and health authorities to ensure that any delegate will have access to full medical treatment and guidance in the unlikely event that it is required.
"We look forward to welcoming participants and we remain committed to ensuring that all MIPIM attendees have a safe and productive stay in Cannes.
"Any clients with specific concerns should contact their local MIPIM representatives."
It comes after top firms announced on Wednesday and Thursday that they are to pull out of the event due to fears over Coronavirus, for which cases increase across Europe every day.
A spokeswoman from Knight Frank told BusinessLive on Thursday: “ The evolving nature of COVID-19 in Europe has forced us to reconsider our presence at large multi-national events.
"To that end we will no longer be attending MIPIM. The health and security of our people and clients are of utmost importance and have to be prioritised over all else.”
The outbreak of Coronavirus continues around the world.
On Friday, the first case was confirmed in Wales - bringing the total UK figure to 17.
To date, almost 3,000 people have died from the flu-like virus, with 83,726 infected.
An official Team Leicester delegation is set to include representatives of 20-or so Leicester and Leicestershire businesses, council bodies and university groups.
The trip is being co-ordinated by Leicester events and marketing specialist Associate Events.
Its managing director Alister de Ternant told BusinessLive: "Our position on the matter has not changed as far as Team Leicester is concerned and we are watching the situation closely and following advice of the organisers Reed MIDEM and the WHO and the safety of everyone comes first.
"We have every intention of being at MIPIM unless the health advice changes."
