GSMA today said that Mobile World Congress (MWC) is set to remain in Barcelona for an additional five years, with the city maintaining its status as Mobile World Capital and host city of MWC through 2023.

The initial contract was due to end in 2018.

The industry association signed an agreement with a group comprising the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism; Generalitat de Catalunya; Barcelona City Council; Turisme de Barcelona; Fira de Barcelona; and Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation (BMWCF).

This year’s event was the 10th held in the city, attracting more than 94,000 visitors from 200 countries, with “over 2,000 exhibiting companies showcasing cutting-edge products”. Preliminary independent economic analysis indicated that the 2015 Mobile World Congress contributed more than €436 million and nearly 12,675 part-time jobs to the local economy.

Next year’s Mobile World Congress will be held 22-25 February 2016 at Fira Gran Via.