boot Düsseldorf reveals official 2025 visitor numbers
Organisers of the annual boot Düsseldorf boating and watersports fair have confirmed that this year’s event attracted 200,000 visitors during its nine-day run.
Attendance hit all expectations, but the figure still marks a slight downturn from the 214,000 visitors from 120 countries that turned out for the 2024 event, despite difficult conditions caused by poor weather and train strikes. In 2023, the first year after a three-year hiatus, boot Düsseldorf registered nearly 237,000 visitors.
The 2025 event featured 1,500 exhibitors from 67 countries across 16 halls, showcasing a wide range of powerboats, sailing yachts, diving and surfing equipment and charter options. According to a visitor survey, over 63 per cent of exhibitors came from outside Germany, with Italy, the Netherlands and France leading participation.
In total, more than 200,000 visitors from 113 countries attended boot Düsseldorf 2025, with one-third travelling from abroad. The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, France, Turkey and Switzerland were among the top countries represented, alongside increasing attendance from North America and Asia, particularly the USA and China.
Marius Berlemann, COO of Messe Düsseldorf, describes boot as “an excellent mix of a high-calibre trade fair for all water sports sectors with contacts all over the world and exciting leisure activities for visitors from the region.” He adds: “During the nine days, we experienced a unique water sports festival, a first-class business event and a spectacular stage programme with celebrities from the worlds of sailing, diving and surfing.”
A panel discussion about marine start-ups takes place at boot Düsseldorf.
Robert Marx, president of boot Düsseldorf and the German Marine Federation (BVWW), highlighted the exhibitors’ positive experiences: “The atmosphere at this year’s boot was sensational,” he says. “It is very interesting and energising for the market that smaller boats in particular were in high demand, and we were able to welcome many new, very international prospective buyers. This year’s trade fair exceeded all expectations.”
Petros Michelidakis, boot director, noted increased optimism among exhibitors. “While expectations before the trade fair were still reserved, an optimistic look to the coming water sports season is now asserting itself across the board,” says Michelidakis. “The majority of exhibitors report great buying interest and many concrete business deals concluded for both boats and technical accessories. Diving and surfing equipment are also popular, and demand seems to have gone up markedly.”
Sustainability and marine conservation were also in focus at the event. The Blue Innovation Dock forum provided updates on sustainable developments in propulsion, fuels and materials.
Philip Easthill, spokesperson for the European Boating Industry (EBI), highlighted the forum’s success in fostering innovation and dialogue on alternative propulsion, natural materials and infrastructure improvements at marinas.
“This year’s Blue Innovation Dock has made the path towards sustainability public,” says Easthill. “This requires innovations, customer proximity and support from policymakers… the forum really proved a hub for networking and new business relations.”
Hall 17 offered high-energy surfing events, including six competitions in disciplines such as wakeboarding, skimboarding and wing foiling. Dominic Hoskyns of Foil Drive Europe said: “We had many conversations with visitors who wanted to find out more about e-foiling.” Florian Brunner of APM Marketing added: “The riders put on a sensational show and thrilled the visitors. Our dealers from Germany and Austria were also in Düsseldorf to get an impression of the show and our collection.”
The next boot Düsseldorf will take place from 17 to 25 January 2026, with registration for exhibitors opening in May 2025.
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