Toronto Boat Show Crowds Seem Unchanged from 2008
Boating Industry Canada


Attendance at the opening weekend of the Toronto International Boat Show appears comparable to the very strong 2008 show, Boating Industry Canada says in a report on its website.

The nine-day boat show kicked off on Saturday at Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre, with a special preview night on Friday in support of charity.

Half-hour long line-ups to see the biggest yachts are still common. Sales people are busy and show goers’ Yamaha green bags are full of literature and small items that show goers can carry home.

The exhibitors have maintained their support. The look and feel of the 2009 show is just as impressive as 2008. The floor is full right to the farthest corner and boats and engines from tiny to multi-million dollar sizes and everything in between, are there for show visitors to enjoy. Obviously, dealers have lots of inventory to show. Nothing looks “skimpy.”

It is far too early to get either an attendance count or a sense of actual sales levels but the private offices were busy and several dealers reported that they were pleased to see “quality” leads and serious potential buyers.

Everyone is aware of the global economic turmoil, but so far it looks like at least a reasonable number of buyers are not willing to put their lives on hold. Summer is coming, no matter what happens to the stock market!