The boating and water sports industry has given a positive verdict on the recently concluded boot Düsseldorf 2024 international boat show.
Despite facing difficult conditions such as winter weather and strikes, the event still managed to attract 214,000 visitors from 120 countries. According to the CEO & President of Messe Düsseldorf, Wolfram Diener, the event was a success and exceeded expectations.
Since the demise of the London Show, Boot Düsseldorf is now established among the Irish trade as the focal point of new boat sales business for the winter months and this year's edition appeared to deliver again.
Irish yacht broker Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats, who was elected Irish Marine Federation Chairman during the show, said, "Dusseldorf is the place to demonstrate all the latest new models we have coming for 2024 to our existing clients and an opportunity to meet new customers too".
The trade fair saw an increase in both the proportion of trade visitors and international customers.
"We are very pleased with the outcome of the show and the pulse is definitely back in the European market", Salmon told Afloat.
The Irish Marine Federation board members at Boot Dusseldorf 2024 (from left to right) Porick Murray of Pontoons Ireland, James Kirwan of BJ Marine, Ian O'Meara of Viking Marine, newly elected chairman Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats, Paal Janson of Dun Laoghaire Marine, Damien Offer of Malahide Marina, Jonathan O'Connor Moneley of Carlingford Marina and Cronan O'Donnell of POD Marine
Likewise, Wicklow broker James Kirwan of BJ Marine expressed his satisfaction with his attendance: "We have confirmed orders on both our sail and power boat ranges from Beneteau. We also have clients currently weighing up very aggressive offers for new boats with excellent availability and stronger show deals than we have seen in many years".
The event is the only water sports fair in the world that attracts people from all continents.
"Our Northman and Princess Yachts displays also had steady flows of Irish visitors, which shows an appetite for, and curiosity of, new products remains strong in Irish boaters. Boot goes from strength to strength and Irish marine businesses play a big part in the success story. We’ll be back in 2025!" Kirwan said.
The majority of visitors were interested in sailing yachts, followed by powerboat fans, divers, charterers, and surfers. Boating apparel and travel were also in high demand, with boatwear and nautical tourism proving to be popular.
Exhibitors at the event were also pleased with the outcome. Sea Ray spokesperson Hans Roeland said, "One look at our stand says more than a thousand words! It was packed! We did excellent business and gained new customers throughout the boot 2024 trade fair. We were able to get visitors interested in our stand and conclude many deals." Hanjo Runde, CEO of HanseYachts, echoed the positive sentiment and stated that they were overwhelmed by the rush of over 10,000 visitors to their sailing and motor yachts.
The success of boot Düsseldorf 2024 proves that the event has an excellent international standing in the industry. The trade fair provided a unique platform for networking, and visitors were extremely positive about the show program. The event ended on a high note, and the next boot Düsseldorf is scheduled to take place from 18 to 26 January 2025.
