The 2014 Düsseldorf International Boat Show (boot Düsseldorf) closed on Sunday with visitor numbers up 9.9% to 248,600 people. Show organiser Messe Düsseldorf says that a large amount of business was conducted during the nine-day event, with 1,661 exhibitors from 60 countries present in 17 exhibition halls.
“We have fully met the expectations of the industry,” says Messe Düsseldorf president and CEO Werner Matthias Dornscheidt. “As before, boot Düsseldorf proved its function as a driving economic force that is highly attractive on an international scale. The stands were attended by throngs of professional German and international visitors, keen to make purchases. In addition to German visitors, the trade fair was also attended by another 48,000 from 65 countries.”
Jürgen Tracht, managing director of German watersports association BVWW, is equally positive. “boot 2014 gave a much-hoped-for boost to this industry,” he says. “The mood in the exhibition halls was very good from the very start. The number of visitors and also their quality and internationalism were truly impressive. There was a clear rise in visitors wanting to make purchases.”
Tracht says that small, outboard-engine motorboats suitable for trailers are becoming increasingly popular in Germany and are generating good sales. “It’s the classic entry-level segment, and it’s currently being boosted, in particular, by a new regulation raising the level for a sailing licence to 15hp (11kW)."
Germany passed new legislation in late 2012 that allows boats of up to 15hp to be piloted without a license on the country’s inland waterways. Speaking to IBI on the first Monday of the show, Tracht said that the new regulation led to a 150 per cent increase in sales of 15hp engines last year. “Sales of smaller boats also increased,” he said. “I spoke to some of the exhibitors on the first weekend of the show and they were very satisfied with sales. They really have benefited from the regulation.”
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Business was also good for large motoryachts from 12m (26ft) upwards, while demand for mid-sized yachts from 8m-12m (26ft-39ft) met the expectations of exhibitors.
According to Tracht, companies selling sailing boats and yachts were generally pleased with the outcome of the show. “This was true for all size categories, even though business in this segment was – as expected – a bit more quiet,” he says.
Sales of marine equipment and accessories, on the other hand, are booming. Exhibitors were said to be extremely satisfied with sales at the show, as boat owners continue to invest in convenient equipment and onboard electronics.
According to some initial surveys, well over 90% of visitors reported that the show had met their expectations.
Next year’s boot Düsseldorf will take place from January 17-25, 2015.
Source: IBIPLUS