INTERBOOT marks upswing in the water sports industry

Friedrichshafen, Germany – More exhibition space, more boats and more to experience: the 50th INTERBOOT concluded with positive results, including a total of 92,700 people on board (compared to last year’s 95,400 attendees) during the nine-day journey through the many facets of water sports. In addition to the wide range of information and a supporting program spanning eight exhibition halls, numerous knowledgeable visitors used the opportunity to take test rides in one of the over 100 ships sailing from the INTERBOOT Harbor. And tens of thousands of spectators came to watch a variety of sporting and show events and enjoy the excellent weather on the boardwalk, demonstrating a widespread interest in water sports.

“The anniversary edition of our international water sports exhibition was a success. The majority of the exhibitors reported positive results during the exhibition, with knowledgeable visitors and valuable exchanges. They’re expecting a significant increase in their post-exhibition business compared to last year,” said Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann.

Wellmann also stated that the international showing of exhibitors and visitors at INTERBOOT, the first boating exhibition for the upcoming season, clearly demonstrated that the German water sports industry is once again on the rise. INTERBOOT project manager Dirk Kreidenweiss added: “The opportunities offered at the INTERBOOT Harbor, along with the extensive supporting program, are trademarks of the exhibition and are enjoyed by exhibitors and visitors alike. And on weekdays, customers take the opportunity to talk at length with knowledgeable representatives from the trade. A particular highlight at this year’s special anniversary exhibition was the new arrivals parade, which featured exhibitors from the sailboat and motorboat sectors.”

Leander Herzog, CEO of Herzog Marinecenter AG in Switzerland, agreed: “Our world premiere of the Galeon 400 Fly made significant waves, and we had a number of concrete sales meetings. Many customers came specifically because of the Galeon. Some of them came from northern Germany, western Switzerland, and even from as far away as Russia.” Hartmut Holtmann, CEO and owner of KH+P Yachtcharter, was also pleased: “The first weekend was an excellent start – even better than in past years. We weren’t worried about the lower attendance numbers on weekdays, since visitors came specifically to see us. We’re optimistic and expect our post-exhibition business to be positive. INTERBOOT is a great trade show – we enjoy being here and are very happy with the support we’ve received.”

The INTERBOOT Harbor and the boardwalk in Friedrichshafen were a major attraction throughout the region during eight days of excellent weather. Tens of thousands of spectators came to watch the regattas and the Liquid Quarter Mile motorboat competition. Friedrichshafen’s Mayor Andreas Brand and Deputy Mayor Dr. Stefan Köhler took in the festive atmosphere on the boardwalk while riding on one of the participating boats.

The offerings for the next generation of water sports enthusiasts were also a big hit. The tenth youth camp was booked to capacity, and hundreds of children and young people visited the exhibition lake and participated in trial dives. The water ski course on the exhibition lake was a constant attraction, offering wakeboarders the chance to demonstrate their skills in front of an enthusiastic audience. And of course, the Cash for Tricks competition was once again a highlight for numerous young water sports fans at the exhibition lake.

Visitors gave INTERBOOT high marks for its atmosphere, which 94.5% of respondents to a survey rated positively. The organizers also view the fact that attendees traveled from a wide radius as an indication that the show’s offerings are on the right track. Nearly 40% of the survey’s respondents traveled between 100 and 300 kilometers to visit the water sports exhibition in Friedrichshafen. What’s more, INTERBOOT enjoys a wide influence abroad: one-third of the visitors surveyed participate in water sports primarily on the Mediterranean Sea.

Visitors can enjoy some of the same thrills at next year’s INTERBOOT in Friedrichshafen, from September 22 to 30, 2012.