boot Düsseldorf 2025: How the industry has changed

Let's start the article with a classic boot Düsseldorf summary: this year, more than 1,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries will take part in the boat show, more than 1,000 boats of all sizes and types will be presented, and what can we say about yacht equipment...

But the most interesting things happen behind the scenes. Where the organisers decide what the next boot Düsseldorf will be like and what the future holds for large yacht shows. One thing is certain: the market is changing rapidly and irreversibly, and with it giants like boot Düsseldorf. How has Europe's main boat show changed over the past year? We find out from boot Düsseldorf director Petros Michelidakis.

This article is adapted from the article “Industry keeps renewing itself” from the Marine Industry News website. 

General situation at boot Düsseldorf 2025

According to Michelidakis, boot Düsseldorf 2025 will see around 200 new companies appearing for the first time at this boat show. The vast majority of them are newcomers to the industry. Petros shares his thoughts: “This trend shows that despite the crisis, the industry continues to renew itself.” 

Thus, according to the organizers, the majority of the companies new to the show are shipyards of motorboats of various sizes. They are followed by manufacturers of specialized yachting equipment, diving and sailboats. Michelidakis adds: “[New participants] are very cool. Our show is the largest international platform, and currently 74% exhibitors are foreign companies, the rest are based here in Germany, directly at boot Düsseldorf.”

According to the organisers, the expansion of the range of small yachts and boats can also be considered an achievement. And this situation is in stark contrast to last year's boot Düsseldorf, when Michelidakis feared stagnation in the compact boat sector: "We currently have 20,000 square metres of exhibition space occupied by boats up to ten metres long. The range of boats in lengths of four, five and six metres is also well represented."

According to Petros, a big focus was on the campaign for small yachts. Not only the organizers of boot Düsseldorf, but also some exhibitors took part in the campaign. "We did the campaign together with the exhibitors. We really believe that this can encourage families visiting Düsseldorf to buy their dream yacht, even if it is a small one," he says.

Overall, boot Düsseldorf 2025 is not lagging behind previous iterations of the exhibition. There are no free spaces, all halls are occupied by exhibitors and visitors. However, there were some losses.

The Yachting Industry and the World's Uncertain Future

Some major players have refused to take part in the exhibition. And although they have been replaced by about two hundred new companies, a certain vacuum is felt at the exhibition. Petros Michelidakis claims that the problems are temporary: "All our regular exhibitors, who for one reason or another are currently absent from the exhibition, will definitely return in 2026. At least, according to them."

Real market slowdown and lack of confidence in the future

1,500 exhibitors from 60 countries is a good result, although slightly less than in previous years. However, according to the organizers, there is a certain tension in the air. The yachting segment as a whole has slowed down compared to the same period in 2023-2024.

The organizers do not name a direct reason, but experts, with varying degrees of certainty, point to a number of reasons related to instability in Europe and the world:

• war in Ukraine;
• tension in the Middle East;
• re-election of the US President.

Petros Michelidakis says: “Everything has slowed down. Everything has slowed down because many people are unsure about their future. This is noticeable not only in the yachting industry, but also in the automobile industry or, for example, in the furniture industry. Events in the world are fast-paced, so the economy is not in the best shape at the moment, but we have faced such problems before. We know that the economy can slow down and speed up, so favorable conditions for business will definitely return. And we hope that the first signs of this return will appear already in 2025.”

Yachting Industry Trends

The instability in the sector has unpleasant consequences for all representatives of the yachting industry. One of the most unpleasant features of 2024-2025 will be the tendency to reduce the staff of shipyards and equipment manufacturers. 

"A slowdown in the economy is always accompanied by layoffs and other measures to ensure the future of any company. Today's situation is very similar to what happened in 2008. Therefore, companies need to develop plans and strategies for the future now," says Petros.

Another problem concerns the charter market. According to the organizers of boot Düsseldorf, charter is currently one of the most problematic sectors of yachting. This situation has arisen due to the overproduction of yachts aimed at the charter market. Michelidakis says: “Last year, there were too many offers for the charter market. And, naturally, these offers have a higher price. Until now, the charter community preferred yachts between 3 and 5 years old, since these boats were offered at the best price.”

In conclusion of his monologue for Marine Industry News Petros Michelidakis said: "This year, exhibitors have made a lot of effort to get to the exhibition and to show themselves. What they are creating is simply fantastic and we have so many world premieres. If the products are to the taste of the visitors, then the companies will find many new clients with whom they can establish contacts and business."

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22.01.2025