A survey carried out by organisers of the Helsinki International Boat Show has found the majority of visitors were interested in motorboats with a rise in numbers of those interested in fishing equipment.
The show, held in February 2024, featured 400 boats as well as accessories and equipment for fishing and watersports with attendance and sales remaining at 2023 levels.
This year, exhibition organisers had made significant investments in programs to foster a sense of community.
“For boat companies, the show in February is a crucial kick-off for the spring season,” said says CEO Jarkko Pajusalo of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat.
“The Finnish boating community once again demonstrated the popularity of boating in our country, despite economic uncertainty.”
New releases
More than 50% of the motorboats on display were Finnish brands with the top new releases selected as: open boat category winner – the Silver Seahawk BRX; excursion or commuter boat winner – Saxdor 400 GTO/GTC; leisure boat of the year – Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser.
At the Vene 24 Båt show, 314 companies took part in the show on a total floor area of 20,590m2 and visitor numbers were 57,142.
Both the number of exhibitors and the square meterage of the show increased compared to last year – with 47 companies and 1250 square meters. However, the number of visitors decreased by 10%.
“The atmosphere at the show was positive, and I believe the visitor turnout would have been higher if it weren’t for the second round of the presidential election and a four-day public transport strike that occurred during the first weekend,” said Jussi Kivikari, business manager at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. “The offering was very good. According to a visitor survey, those who would have visited the show primarily for pastime stayed home, so the event attracted the right type of visitors.”
The show was organised by Helsingin Messukeskus, on behalf of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat.
The next edition of the show will be held from February 7 to 16, 2025, at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
