boot Düsseldorf 2014, an international boat show, catered to every boating and water sports interest, and according to a survey, more than 90 percent of attendees reported the show met their expectations in Germany, from Jan. 18-26.
“We have fully met the expectations of the industry. boot Düsseldorf again confirmed its position as a driving economic force that is highly attractive on an international scale. The stands were crowded by professional German and international visitors, keen to make purchases. A total of 48,000 visitors came from 65 countries other than Germany,” stated Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, president and CEO, Messe Düsseldorf.
Approximately 248,600 international visitors, compared to 226,300 in 2013, came to the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, with willingness to invest. Exhibitors reported business deals in many sections of the product ranges. The indoor yacht and water sports trade fair featured 1,661 exhibitors from 60 countries in 17 exhibition halls, presenting new boats and boating equipment as well as the latest water sports gear and maritime services.
“Moreover, we succeeded in attracting thousands of novices and inquirers to our exhibition center. Our format ‘Experience 360° Water Sports’ was successful. Over the weekend, younger generations and families made use of the many opportunities offered, trying out the theme and adventure worlds of the boot water sports disciplines, such as diving, sailing, paddling and wakeboarding,” added Dornscheidt. “There are now two firmly established fixtures: the high-caliber professional show for boats, yachts and water sports and the water sports event boot Düsseldorf. With that, we are making an important contribution to the future of the trade fair and its sector.”
Customers paid greater attention to value for money and were informed before they came to boot 2014.
“They made their purchases and placed their orders at the boat show itself – an unrivalled exhibition in terms of its international product range and clear structure. Customers used this opportunity to compare and then to decide on a product or a boat,” said Jürgen Tracht, managing director, German Marine Industry Association.
Small motor boats suitable for trailers with outboard engines were popular and generated good sales for exhibitors, according to Tracht.
Business was also good for large motor yachts from 39 feet upwards. Exhibitors maintained their existing contacts, added new ones and concluded a large number of contracts. The demand for yachts in the 26-to-39-feet category also met expectations.
The boat equipment and accessories market is booming; boat owners are investing heavily in convenience equipment and on-board electronics. This development is partly due to a substantial pre-owned boat market with numerous products at attractive prices.
Again attracting a large number of visitors was the scuba diving section of boot Düsseldorf – more than a quarter of all visitors were interested in the latest equipment and vacation destinations. Egypt is back as a popular destination for German scuba divers — bookings are up, so are the sales figures of diving equipment manufacturers.
In the charter segment, visitor figures showed an increase compared to last year. German coastal and inland water destinations as well as international destinations in the Mediterranean and overseas were favorites.
Boats and yachts are still the main attraction for attendees, followed by boat equipment, engines and technical accessories, water tourism products and services as well as boat and yacht charters and scuba diving.
The 18 theme and adventure worlds of boot Düsseldorf were extremely popular with the attendees; the new “boot Sailing School” was a favorite. Nearly 1,000 visitors tested the sailing boats in the indoor pool. The “Refit Center” with information about boat maintenance was continually busy. Especially young water sports enthusiasts took part in the hands-on activities in the Action Center with its Beach World.
The next staging of boot Düsseldorf will take place from Jan. 17-25, 2015.
