A Boot that always attracts boaters
Like all boat shows, Boot Dusseldorf has faced headwinds from Covid; with two cancellations in 2021 and 2022. Its return in January 2023 was therefore expected by the boating industry, and also by boaters, as confirmed by the figures unveiled by the organizers after its closure on January 29.
The number of visitors almost reached 237,000, coming from over 100 countries. The exhibitors, from 68 countries, were more than 1,500, occupying 16 halls and 220,000 m2. These important figures are still slightly lower than in 2020, when the number of visitors exceeded 250,000 enthusiasts. Boaters and water sports enthusiasts came from northern Europe, but also from France, Turkey or Spain, and even from other continents.
Satisfaction of the organizers
Messe Dusseldorf, organizer of the German boat show, does not hide its satisfaction, through the voice of the show director, Petros Michelidakis: "Visits returned to exhibitors were extremely good, appointments for boat tours were completely full and companies are announcing a significant volume of boat and equipment sales. We are pleased that the Boot was once again able to offer the industry this marketplace and present itself successfully, despite the current difficult economic situation."
Satisfied exhibitors
The feedback from exhibitors was identical. If some could be worried, the show has removed the doubts about its relevance. It is true that there were a few empty spaces, which can be explained by the difficulties of some construction sites and the tensions with some companies, linked to the costs of the late cancellation of 2022. But the majority of the actors answered present and showed themselves satisfied. From the rental management vendor to the small transportable sailboat yard, all announced that they had sold boats and met quality prospects.
