Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/792771
www.BoatingIndustry.com 16 | Boating Industry | March 2017 BY JONATHAN SWEET A s Europe's largest boat show, boot Düsseldorf helps to set the agenda for boat shows throughout the rest of the year. Organizers of the show said the 2017 edition ended up drawing 242,000 attendees to see the latest technology and products. "boot is in great shape. There was a vibrant atmosphere in all the halls during the nine days. Good sales and a party mood were the outstanding features of boot 2017. The trade fair ef- ficiently succeeds in satisfying the conflicting requirements of being both an entertainment and business platform," said Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, president & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf. More than 1,800 exhibitors from 70 countries presented their products and services at the annual show in Düsseldorf, Germany. "Water sports enthusiasts from all over the world visited boot. People came from almost every European country. Our exhibitors reported excellent sales figures, stating that boot is the most important business platform worldwide," said boot director Petros Michelidakis. The majority of the foreign visitors were from the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France, with increased attendance from Eastern Europe and Asia as well. According to the German Association of the Water Sports Industry, sales of motor boats up to Euro 80,000 at the trade fair were very good, while demand for luxury yachts was greater than ever before. Director Jürgen Tracht said he anticipates even stronger demand from exhibitors 2017 BOOT DÜSSELDORF DRAWS 242,000 FROM 70 COUNTRIES Water sports, environment big focus of show from the luxury segment for boot in the com- ing year: "Shipyards that observe the trade fair from outside this year have realized that it is essential to participate if they want to compete on the international market." Exhibitors also spoke highly of the show. Magnus Rassy from the Swedish sailing yacht manufacturer Hallberg-Rassy, noted, "We are very satisfied with boot Düsseldorf. It is quite simply the best boat trade fair in the world." Martin Schemkes from Jeanneau/Prestige, which also owns the Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab and Wellcraft brands, added, "The ex- cellent infrastructure at boot and the quality of the visitors make it possible for us to sell this large number of boats. We are already looking forward to the next boot Düsseldorf in 2018." Water sports take center stage In addition to the 1,800 boats and yachts on display, boot 2017 also catered to the entire water sports community. Just like in the United States, Europe is facing the same problem of getting younger people into boating. During a meeting with show director Michelidakis, he identified that as a key challenge. The show is trying to do its part, partnering with a number of German schools to bring students to the show, who could be see walking around boot Düsseldorf sporting "boot Next Generation" T-shirts. One of the key attractions for those poten- tial future boaters was the two halls dedicated to water sports. Although the exhibitors said it isn't as big yet as it is in the States, it's grow- ing in popularity in Europe. The show also features the WAVE, which show organizers say is the first stationary deepwater wave at a boot Düsseldorf featured the WAVE, where attendees could try surfing.