After nine days of boot 2024, the boating and water sports industry is taking positive stock of the world’s largest yacht and water sports trade fair. “We had many new contacts at our stands and were able to conclude numerous deals. The right visitors ensured very good sales figures in the boat sector as well as for motors/engines, boards, diving equipment and accessories. boot 2024 provided the perfect start to the season,” explained exhibitor spokesperson and trade fair president Robert Marx.
Despite challenging conditions—from the onset of winter to strikes—boot Düsseldorf reported 214,000 visitors from 120 countries and strong participation from the trade. The show increased both its proportion of trade visitors (from 18% to over 21%) as well as the internationality of its customers (from 23.7% to 34.3%). It is the only water sports fair in the world that attracts people from all continents.
The majority of visitors were interested in sailing yachts (42%), followed by powerboat fans (38.2%), divers (27%), charterers (11.7%) and surfers (9.8%). Water sports clothing and tourism were also in high demand and were very popular with 25.7% (clothing) and 19.4% (tourism/travel). A high percentage (94%) of the visitors were extremely positive about the trade fair.
The indoor show, staged at the sprawling Messe Düsseldorf exhibition complex, featured many world and European product debuts from manufacturers across the spectrum. Its participatory exhibits—dive and sailing pools, paddling pools and other hands-on attractions—attract families and those interested in trying before they buy. This year’s boot showed a marked trend toward sustainability and electric and hybrid power for boat engines and water toys.
The next staging of boot will take place in Düsseldorf January 18-26, 2025. For information on visiting or exhibiting, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America at (312) 781-5180; email [email protected]; boot.com and mdna.com. Follow at linkedin.com/company/mdnachicago/ For hotel and travel information, contact TTI Travel, Inc. at (866) 674-3476; fax 212) 674-3477; email [email protected]; web ttitravel.net
