b oot Düsseldorf once again confirms its role as the pulse of the international water sports industry, opening 2026 with renewed energy, strong visitor engagement and tangible business results. With nearly 1,500 manufacturers and dealers from 68 countries filling the exhibition halls, this year’s event presents a full spectrum of boat premieres, technical innovations, equipment and accessories, alongside some of the world’s most appealing water sports destinations.
By the midpoint of the show, one trend has been particularly clear: international interest is stronger than ever. During the first five days alone, visitors from almost 100 countries travelled to Düsseldorf, underlining boot’s status as a truly global meeting point for the marine and water sports community. Exhibitors across multiple segments report a high level of engagement, with numerous successful sales discussions and boats sold directly from the stands.
Attendance figures reflect this momentum. By Wednesday, nearly 99,000 visitors had already passed through the exhibition halls along the Rhine. Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors highlights the breadth and diversity of the offering, with the sailing sector, in particular, making a strong and confident showing once again this year.
According to Petros Michelidakis, Director of boot Düsseldorf, the atmosphere reflects more than just visitor numbers. He describes boot as “the international class reunion of the water sports industry,” noting a sense of optimism and vitality that creates fertile ground for business and long-term partnerships. The combination of professional exchange and an upbeat, holiday-inspired spirit continues to set the show apart on the global calendar.
Beyond its importance as a trade platform, boot 2026 also reinforces its appeal as a destination for families, newcomers and younger audiences. Interactive areas across the halls invite visitors to try surfing, diving, paddling, sailing and fishing in a relaxed, summery environment, while travel sections inspire future holidays on and around the water. This balance between commerce, experience and inspiration remains central to boot’s enduring success.
As the show progresses, boot Düsseldorf 2026 is shaping up not only as a snapshot of the current market, but as a confident signal of where the water sports industry is heading: outward-looking, experiential and firmly international.
