The world's largest water sports fair ended yesterday in Düsseldorf with a significant increase in visitors. There were also positive resumes from many industry segments. The market seems to have overcome the dry spell.
“Yachting and water sports are fun and get the industry moving,” says the trade fair company's official final balance sheet. 296,000 visitors, a good five percent more than in 2005, were informed about premieres, new water sports equipment and maritime services at boot.
The rush in the halls was enormous, especially on the two weekends. For the 1659 exhibitors from 51 countries, however, it is not just the crowd that counts. What matters is the sales. "The course of boot 2006 signals a change of mood", summarizes Werner Matthias Dornscheidt. The Chairman of the Management Board of Messe Düsseldorf continued: "It is obvious that the willingness of consumers to invest money is increasing again."
This is also confirmed by Jürgen Tracht, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the Water Sports Industry: "The exhibiting industry came to Düsseldorf with positive expectations, which were almost entirely fulfilled." The audience at the stands was extremely interested, expert - and eager to buy.
Particularly gratifying: the growing interest of foreign guests in boot. Around 55,000 visitors from other countries were counted.
After the successes that the German boat and water sports industry was able to achieve in exports in recent years, domestic business is also gaining momentum. Significantly more was sold and ordered at the stands. In addition, the exhibitors are counting on good follow-up business.
The growing consumption trend is also reflected in the first evaluations of the representative visitor surveys: two thirds of the visitors stated that they had already bought or still wanted to buy at the fair. Another 43 percent intended to buy something after the fair.
In 2006, boats, yachts and superyachts were again at the forefront of interest. More than two thirds of those questioned were interested in it. This was followed by boat equipment (28 percent), engines and technical accessories, water tourism offers, boat and yacht charter and diving.
Motorboats and motor yachts in the upscale to luxury segment are booming and attract a high-caliber international clientele. But also small, trailerable boats are on the rise again. Business in the medium-sized units is at the previous year's level.
The manufacturers of sailing boats and sailing yachts speak of good direct sales and excellent occupancy rates. This applies to all sizes and classes.
Sales of boat equipment such as comfort equipment and high-quality navigation electronics are also above the previous year's level.
The charter market registered great popularity and numerous bookings on site. Many new customers could be won, who were mainly interested in boat trips in areas without a license.
Next year, the 38th boot Düsseldorf will take place from January 20th to 28th.