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Toronto Boat Show Reports Strong Sales and Leads


The 2009 Toronto International Boat Show attracted over 76,000 visitors.



In the face of an uncertain economy and unpredictable weather, a vast majority of exhibitors at the 2009 Toronto International Boat Show solidified a large number of sales and banked dozens of leads throughout the 10-day boating event that attracted 76,620 visitors.

“While attendance was down 16 percent from last year, it was compensated for by the strong sales across the show floor,” said Show Manager Cynthia Hare. “Not only did we have a substantial number of qualified buyers at the 2009 boat show, but our exhibitors, anticipated the potential impact of the troubled economy and created irresistible show packages to encourage sales.


Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), a long time exhibitor at the Toronto International Boat Show, described the 2009 event as good as any show over the past 20 years. “This was a fantastic show,” said Bob Gossling, Sea-doo Shows and Events/North America/BRP. “We sold more than 350 units this year and nearly 90 in the first two days. Sales far exceeded our expectations.”

Swans Yacht Sales also reported a significant increase in sales over last year’s show. “We sold eight boats this year, an 800 percent increase over 2008,” said Bernie Luttmer, President. “And, we’re not the only dealers who did well. I spoke to a number of exhibitors, including some of our competitors, and word is that this was a great show.”


Gary Poole, co-owner of Buckeye Marine said he had been unsure of what to expect at this year’s show. “I’ll admit I was a little anxious, but the opening weekend cured me of that pretty quickly. We had a tremendous show, which carried right through to the final weekend. I think that’s because we had some very smart, qualified buyers. They had done their research and knew they wouldn’t find a better price than at the Toronto Boat Show.”


The 2010 Toronto Boat Show is scheduled for January 9-17 in the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place.

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