Set to be held from January 18 to 26, 2014, boot Düsseldorf represents one of the most important hall-based shows in the industry. A total number of 1,650 exhibitors from more than 60 nations are expected to introduce their yacht premieres, new water sports equipment, as well as maritime services in the halls of Düsseldorf’s exhibition centre.
boot Dusseldorf 2014, January 18 - 26
Marketplace enjoys continued appeal
“Especially now the industry is looking to the high-appeal marketplace of boot Düsseldorf and the stable German market. Bookings suggest we will fill boot’s traditional 17 exhibition halls with a total of 213,000 m2 of exhibition space to a good capacity and will be able to follow on from the high exhibitor numbers at the previous year’s event. Given the current difficult economic climate this is a great success,” says Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, summing up the business mood. “Many exhibitors have announced extended ranges and are using boot Düsseldorf as the premiere show for their new models.”
According to Jürgen Tracht, Managing Director of the Federal Association of German Watersports Industries (Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft – BVWW), Cologne, the hopes of European boat manufacturers for a major recovery from the 2008 financial and economic crisis have not been fulfilled. Nevertheless, developments at the autumn boat shows point to improvements next year.
German boat builders score points with innovations
In Southern Europe, in particular, the debt crisis is heavily impacting private consumption. In this context Germany proves comparatively robust. Germany’s export-oriented boat builders can score points with innovative boat concepts on foreign markets. On the domestic market economic growth and low unemployment rates stimulate consumer spending. “The maritime sector will also benefit from this,” says a confident Jürgen Tracht. For the coming year the sector anticipates a 3% rise in sales.
Lifting of skipper’s licencing boosts small boats market
At present, prime customer demand focuses on high-quality sailing yachts and power boats in the high-end price segment as well as trailerable boats for newcomers in the motor boat sector. In Germany the new lifting on skipper’s licencing for power boats up to 15 HP has provided a welcome and significant boost to the small boat and motors market.
Buyers at boot 2014 will be spoilt for choice. Whether large or small, sleek, comfortable or even luxurious, in Düsseldorf everyone will find their personal dream craft. Eleven of the in total 17 exhibition halls are dedicated to yachts driven by sail, motor or even muscle power. 440 shipyards, dealers and importers will be presenting a range of boats and yachts totalling 1,700 craft from canoes and dinghies to luxury yachts – one that is unique to any hall-based event. Add to this a huge range of boat equipment, the large maritime travel market and the largest diving sport fair in the world.
The new boot Sailing School: Live sailing in exhibition halls
Experience 360° watersports: the world’s largest showcase for maritime sport and lifestyle is much more than just a trade fair. It is also a major event where visitors can spend an exciting and enjoyable time engaging in water sports under the roofs of the exhibition halls. In 2014 the programme will be even more appealing because two new themed worlds will now be coming to the exhibition halls: the Refit Centre and the boot Sailing School.
The Refit Centre in Hall 11 will pick up on the trend seen amongst consumers of maintaining and increasing the value of their boats. This is primarily aimed at giving boat owners guidance about what they can do themselves and when it makes sense to employ a professional or when this may actually be necessary.
boot’s new Sailing School offers live sailing fun with optimists and dinghies under expert guidance on an indoor pool in the centre of Hall 14. Wind machines will ensure sufficient breeze. The target group of this experience world is primarily children and young beginners.
Watersport experience in 18 themed worlds
At boot 2014 visitors have the opportunity to collect information on, experience up close and try out all the sports offered in 18 themed worlds of experience: wakeboarding, skim-boarding, paddle-boarding, sailing, diving, canoeing and angling.
boot is open daily from 18 to 26 January from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Further information as well as admission tickets can be obtained on the Internet portal of boot Dusseldorf and its Ticketshop.
