We had already mentioned it in 2018, the methods of calculating and presenting the attendance at boat shows differ from one event to another. These differences persist and we will therefore not insist on the subject. We will be satisfied here with the trends displayed by Reed Expo, at the head of the Cannes Yachting Festival and Grand Pavois Organisation (GPO) at the head of the eponymous salon rochelais.
Cannes Yachting Festival: Visitors to the Cannes Yachting Festival by sail and motor
The Cannes boat show shows its dynamism. Despite an opening day under heavy rain, synonymous with empty lanes, closed boats and caulked stands, overall attendance continues to grow according to its organizer. The 2019 edition welcomed 54,000 unique visitors, 3,000 more than the previous year.
The separation of sailboats in Port Canto and motorboats in the Old Port, a new feature in 2019, makes it possible to refine visitor information. 15,000 visitors (28%) started their journey through the Sailing Area, while the maritime shuttles carried 16,000 passengers. The Sailing Area has therefore attracted many boaters. The effect of the free entrance to Port Canto in the morning is also to be taken into account.
The Cannes boat show is claiming a 12% increase in the number of exhibitors, reaching 611 companies in the nautical industry and beyond.
Transfer of visitors between the 2 sites of the Cannes Yachting Festival
Grand Pavois: fewer boaters on the pontoons
While the organisation underlines the quality of the visitors present at the Grand Pavois exhibition, it concedes a decrease in the number of visitors. In 2019, it fell by 7.5% to 76,000 visitors. The Grand Pavois announces that it has brought together 800 brands and 750 boats, values exactly identical to the 2018 edition. The different management of the spaces makes comparison between editions difficult for the visitor.
While GPO regrets the trend, which it explains by the weather conditions and the proximity of the Cannes Yachting Festival in the calendar, it is particularly pleased with the success of the Beach area, recording 1500 trials and christenings, as well as the growing development of fishing around the Grand Pavois Fishing.
