The GSMA says it has canceled Mobile World Congress after the coronavirus made it “impossible” to hold the event.

The world's biggest phone show, MWC 2020, is no longer taking place this year.

GSMA CEO John Hoffman says in this statement that the coronavirus outbreak made it “impossible” to hold the event, which was scheduled to open in Barcelona on February 24.

“With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event. The Host City Parties respect and understand this decision. The GSMA and the Host City Parties will continue to be working in unison and supporting each other for MWC Barcelona 2021 and future editions. Our sympathies at this time are with those affected in China, and all around the world.”

Mobile World Congress has been cancelled, without the government declaring a health emergency. The conference's insurers are going to have a long week of it.

 Iain Thomson (@iainthomson) February 12, 2020

The impact here is on the city of Barcelona (hotels, venues, restaurants etc.) and travel budgets for companies and attendees (and what they may affect - airlines?). In terms of meetings and deals that would get done there, I think those can get re-scheduled pretty easily. https://t.co/p46sjPXY0l

 Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 12, 2020

MWC cancelled - massive economic blow to Barcelona and mobile industry https://t.co/KaPeCNvzFW

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