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Boot Düsseldorf fulfills sector’s expectations

The 2015 staging of boot Düsseldorf , 46th International Boat Show, fulfilled the expectations of the majority of the exhibitors and underlined its status as a leading platform for the international boating and water sports sector.

Held Jan. 17-25, approximately 240,200 boating and water sports enthusiasts from around 60 countries travelled to the world’s largest boat and water sports trade fair. A total of 1,741 exhibitors from 57 nations in 17 halls presented boat premieres, new water sports gear, equipment and maritime services.

International attendance at boot 2015 saw a very positive development with over 50,000 visitors from countries other than Germany.

Boot Düsseldorf saw a boost in international attendance. Photo credit: Messe Duesseldorf
Boot Düsseldorf saw a boost in international attendance.
Photo credit: Messe Duesseldorf

“We are satisfied with the trade fair results even though we were not able to follow last year’s record results. The winter weather on the second Saturday, which traditionally attracts most visitors, prevented many guests from visiting the show,” stated Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, president and CEO, Messe Düsseldorf. “But this does not affect the overall assessment of boot and its position on the exhibition scene: With its traditionally well over 200,000 high-caliber visitors in Europe’s region with the highest purchasing power, boot Düsseldorf remains a guarantor for good contacts and business and a reliable marketplace for the boating and water sports industries.

“The concept ‘Experience 360° Water Sports’ has a long-term impact. The 20 experience and themed worlds were very well attended. Nearly 25 percent of the visitors, especially families and young water-sports fans, used the opportunities to experience water sports inside the halls and get information about the various disciplines. With this, we are making a major contribution to the future of this sector.”

For over 50 percent of the attendees, sailing boats or yachts were again a favorite, followed by powerboats, equipment and accessories. Every fourth visitor was looking for diving tours and diving equipment while the travel world exhibits were high on the agenda of every fifth attendee.

Jürgen Tracht, general manager, German Water Sports Industry Association (BVWW), also rated boot 2015 positively.

“The high number of boat premieres and innovations has made its mark. Both national and international boat and yacht buyers appreciated the innovative boat concepts in all sizes and classesm,” said Tracht. “On all days of the trade show, exhibitors were delighted by the well-attended stands by both buyers and potential buyers who came with specific enquiries.”

According to Tracht, new boat sales were at the previous year’s level.

“The industry succeeded in making promising, international contacts at the trade fair and achieving good sales. There is also a lot of movement at the other end of the spectrum. The interest in small boats is clearly boosted by the new regulation allowing boats up to 15 PS to be driven without a boat driver’s license.”

boot 2015 also provided the producers of diving gear with positive business results and encouraged the industry which has experienced sales decreases for years due to the difficult political situation in Egypt, a popular diving destination.

The charter market also posted good results for the 2015 water sports season. The Baltic Sea, Croatia and Greece are the top international destinations.

The new Cruise Pavilion in Hall 14 was successful from the start: with its presentation about international cruise ship vacations it attracted some 14,000 visitors.

Another highlight for visitors was the 20 experience worlds, especially the Sailing Center, the Diving Sports Center with the scuba-diving tank, the Powerboat Center as well as the Holiday World and the Beach World.

Overall, visitors gave boot 2015 top ratings. According to an initial survey, 98 percent of the attendees stated that the trade fair met their expectations.

The next staging of boot Düsseldorf is scheduled for Jan. 23-31, 2016, in Düsseldorf, Germany.

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at boot 2016, visit www.mdna.com.

 

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