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International Show News
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Photo credit: Photo by Renee Tillmann |
Boot Düsseldorf 2010 reassures industry
 DüSSELDORF, Germany — After a very difficult economic year in 2009, the yachting and water sports industry is confident about the future: some 240,200 visitors from 60 countries participated in the recently held boot Düsseldorf, 41st International Boat Show, which generated good business results in many segments of the products showcased.
The visitor participation even increased slightly compared to boot 2009 (238,000 visitors). About 50,000 visitors at this year’s boot came from outside of Germany. A total of 1,568 exhibitors from 55 nations presented the latest in boats, yachts, water sports equipment and accessories in 17 halls.
“We completely achieved our goals. Not only did we succeed in giving the industry an important boost, we were also able to interest more young people and families in water sports and boot Düsseldorf, the leading trade fair in the industry,” said Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf. “The concept, which placed greater emphasis on hands-on events where attendees could get involved and experience water sports live at the trade fair, was a resounding success. It was just unfortunate that the extreme winter conditions prevented some potential visitors from attending boot. Following the strong increase in visitor participation during the first few days, boot 2010 ended with just a slight increase compared to last year’s event."
Jürgen Tracht, Managing Director of the German Marine Federation (BVWW) was also very positive about boot Düsseldorf 2010: “boot encouraged the entire industry. The bottom of the curve had been reached. The visitors at the stands were eager to buy, very knowledgeable, international and also very satisfactory in terms of numbers. The well-received event program demonstrates that our industry has potential and that we are capable of mobilizing this potential.”
 Visitor surveys support these statements: overall, 96 percent reported that their expectations were met. Particularly younger visitors interested in trend sports were very pleased with the range of products on display in this segment (with 64 percent giving it good ratings).
Almost 50 percent of the boot 2010 visitors were interested in sailing boats while motor boats were the focus for some 35 percent and boating equipment and accessories were the attraction for about 37 percent. Some 25 percent of the attendees came to see the diving trade fair while the “Big Blue Holiday World” maritime travel market was the main point of interest for 28 percent.
According to Jürgen Tracht, Managing Director of the BVWW, the market for sailing boats and sailing yachts has picked up considerable momentum. Sales are higher than they were last year, with business primarily profiting from more competitive prices. The most popular segment was boats of up to 39 feet in length.
Small motor boats are in great demand and the request for motor boats in the medium-sized segment is at about the same level as in 2009.
Business is rather slow for large yachts but the industry was able to get numerous excellent contacts at boot 2010, maintain relationships with existing customers and submit specific offers. Therefore this industry expects a good post-show business.
The diving industry is very satisfied and feels a strong upwards trend. More visitors and good sales figures characterized this segment during boot 2010.
The exhibitors of high quality boat equipment and accessories were also pleased with their participation. Value retention and upgrading of boats remain important topics.
The charter companies and exhibitors in the water tourism segment reported increased sales figures compared to last year, with many describing boot 2010 as the best trade fair in years.
Special highlights at boot 2010 were the 14 theme parks, in particular the Sailing Center, the Big Blue Holiday World, the Diving Center, Beach World and the Action Center.
boot Düsseldorf will be held again from January 22 - 30, 2011. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at boot 2011, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit our web site www.mdna.com; Subscribe to the MDNA blog at http://blog.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago
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