Increasing visitor numbers have recently not been a matter of course in the water sports industry. The industry leader, however, has once again delivered: With a little over 250,000 guests from 106 countries, boot Düsseldorf closed yesterday evening, according to trade fair information, around one percent higher than the previous year, thus confirming its exceptional position.
"Here in Düsseldorf, in the middle of the North Rhine-Westphalian inland, we have actually created the most important international platform for water sports," said Petros Michelidakis, head of boot. According to the results of a survey, 97 percent of the visitors were satisfied or very satisfied with the range and program in the exhibition halls.
There was only isolated criticism on social media and in the corridors. In particular, the dominance of large to very large yachts, which significantly exceed the budget of most sailors, was criticized, as in the past two years. Not least because of this, the exhibition management tried to offer beginners a platform in the supporting program.
Also constantly besieged. YACHT booth in hall 16
The feedback from the exhibitors was unanimously positive - across all areas. This was shown by the discussions held by YACHT, which was on site with ten members of the editorial team, during and after boot Düsseldorf. Read the assessments from the industry on the following page.