广交会开展首日：馆内外人山人海，海外采购商人数较上届显著增多，周边酒店一个月前已订满

Core Insights - The 138th China Import and Export Fair, known as the "Canton Fair," commenced on October 15 in Guangzhou, marking a significant event in China's foreign trade landscape. The fair has set historical records in terms of total exhibition space, number of exhibitors, and quality exhibitors [1][6]. Group 1: Attendance and Participation - The fair has attracted a record 207,000 pre-registered buyers from 217 export markets, representing a 14.1% increase compared to the previous session [1][5]. - The number of overseas buyers is expected to be significantly higher than in previous years, with the registration center reporting long queues of foreign merchants [4][5]. - The Guangzhou Metro has implemented new features allowing overseas buyers to use foreign bank cards for seamless access to the fair, enhancing convenience for international attendees [3][6]. Group 2: Venue and Logistics - The exhibition area for this session is 1.55 million square meters, with a total of 74,600 booths and over 32,000 participating companies, including approximately 3,600 first-time exhibitors [6][7]. - The fair is divided into three phases, with the first phase running from October 15 to 19, featuring over 25,000 booths and around 12,000 exhibitors across various sectors [7]. - The Guangzhou Baiyun Airport has set up six dedicated channels for fair participants to expedite customs clearance, anticipating an average daily flow of 52,000 inbound and outbound passengers during the fair period [3][6]. Group 3: Hotel and Service Industry Impact - The Westin and Courtyard hotels in Guangzhou are fully booked, with reservations made a month in advance, indicating a surge in demand from international buyers [8]. - To cater to the needs of foreign guests, hotels have introduced dedicated coffee services and increased the use of AI-driven service robots for guest assistance [8]. - The fair has led to increased foot traffic in local restaurants, with long queues observed during peak dining times, reflecting the high volume of attendees [8].