The Düsseldorf Boat Show is back with a blitzkrieg of exciting attractions! Held from January 17 – 25, 2015 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, it’s most often referred to as simply “boot”- lower case B and all.
The 1st Düsseldorf Boat Show was opened on 27 November 1969. It started with 116 exhibitors from eight countries, an exhibition space of 11,000 square metres and 34,000 visitors. The following year 183 exhibitors presented yachts and water sports equipment on 21,000 sqm to 40,000 visitors. In January 1972, the boot was first held within the new and current Messe premises in Düsseldorf-Stockum and functioned as a forum for preparations of the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. During the early 1990s, superyachts were introduced in Düsseldorf.
As the world’s largest indoor yacht and water sports trade fair, boot 2015 Düsseldorf will feature new boats and boating equipment as well as the latest water sports gear and maritime services in 17 exhibition halls. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of international brands in almost every boating segment. The traditionally strong boat building nations such as Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Poland and Great Britain will be well represented. The majority of the halls at boot 2015 will be dedicated to boats and yachts powered by sails, engines or muscle power. Over 1,700 boats and yachts, ranging from canoes and dinghies to luxury yachts, will be on show.
Boats and yachts are still the main attraction for attendees, followed by boat equipment, engines and technical accessories, water tourism products and services, as well as boat and yacht charters and scuba diving. The market for boat equipment and accessories is booming, which left exhibitors were extremely satisfied. Boat owners are investing heavily in convenience equipment and on-board electronics. The scuba diving section of boot Düsseldorf again attracted a large number of visitors – more than a quarter of all visitors were interested in the latest equipment and vacation destinations. Egypt is was also shown out to be a popular destination for German scuba divers – bookings are up and so are the sales figures of diving equipment manufacturers.
Trend sports, diving and paddling will be the topics featured in several halls at boot 2015. Manufacturers and distributors will offer new products for trend sports such as wakeboarding, stand up paddling, kite-surfing and surfing. Kite Surfing is becoming increasingly popular amongst thrill seekers who are looking to fill their holidays with action packed activities. And products like this can help them to improve upon their skills before they decide to take part in these sports for the first time. In addition, about 300 international charter companies, tour operators, tourism organizations, clubs and associations will present maritime travel destinations in two halls.
The popular “Experience 360° watersports” segment with its 18 theme and adventure worlds (including the Beach World, Diving Center, World of Paddling, Sport Fishing Center and Sailing School) will provide a multitude of hands-on activities. Attendees have the opportunity to experience and try out virtually every type of water sport: wakeboarding, skimboarding, stand up paddling, sailing, diving, canoeing and fishing. Those who take to diving may be keen to check out some of the world’s most popular diving spots – take a look here to learn where they are.
The Action Center in the surfing segment includes a large pool for surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing and wakeboarding enthusiasts to test their skills by trying out the latest equipment presented by the exhibitors – with professional trainers giving helpful tips. A kite and front loop simulator provide extra challenges for surfing fans.
Every January, boot attracts 1,650 exhibitors from 60 countries and about 250,000 international visitors. The recent staging of boot 2014, 45th International Boat Show Düsseldorf, met the industry’s expectations and provided the boat and water sports sector with optimism during economically challenging times. A total of 248,600 international visitors (up from 226,300 in 2013) came to the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, with a high willingness to invest. This year’s show promises to be more of the same, and there’s definitely nothing wrong with that.
boot Düsseldorf 2015
January 17-25, 2015
Düsseldorf, Germany
