A unique Boot
The nine days of the boat show were satisfactory for the organizers. At the close of business on Sunday, January 27, the figures were good and the contacts with visitors and professionals were excellent. Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf explains " I have experienced many events here in Düsseldorf, but this Boot was unique. A great atmosphere in the halls, people on vacation at the stands and very satisfied exhibitors. Which means we definitely achieved our goal: everyone will have exceptional memories of this wonderful anniversary edition of Boot."
Growth for the exhibition
Still according to the organization, the figures are up with nearly 2000 exhibitors from 73 countries, and a show covering 220,000 m2 of exhibition space. On this point, no surprise since the figures announced are the same as last year. Visitors were more numerous than last year: 250,000 in 2019 against 247,000 in 2018, from 100 countries. The main countries of origin, with the exception of Germany, are the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Switzerland and Italy. Figures that confirm the global positioning of the fair.
Boot director Petros Michelidakis explains: "The exhibitors tell us about excellent business and many new contacts from all over the world. The Boot is clearly a first-class business platform. The wide range of international travel destinations in Travel World also attracted many visitors."
A developing nautical industry
Jürgen Tracht, director of the German water sports industry association (BVWW) is optimistic: "The industry is extremely optimistic about the upcoming watersports season."
For him, the trend in sailing as in motorboats is not only towards large boats over 12 m, but also towards smaller, more maneuverable and lively boats. He emphasizes that the demand for multihulls is also strong, a trend that can be seen in hall 15. He adds: "I believe that Boot 2019 will be a driving force in all sectors of the watersports industry. The exhibitors were enthusiastic about the internationality of the show and the high quality of the visitors."
Even if the show presented a little less novelties in both sailing and motor boats, visitors had the choice between 1,500 units in all areas.
Diving and gliding in the spotlight
This 2019 edition saw an increase in exhibitors and visitors in the halls dedicated to diving and water sports. 100,000 surfing enthusiasts attended demonstrations on "The Wave". According to the exhibitors, visitors were able to rediscover the joys of surfing. Stand-up paddle, windsurfing, surfing or wakeboarding also attracted many boaters.
The world of diving was also in the spotlight, and this from the first day, as Petros Michelidakis explains: "The Boot is the event of the year for the diving community. This is where dive trips, partner discoveries and testing of the latest equipment are planned.
