Attendance and sales are up at Toronto Boat Show
TORONTO – The 49th Toronto International Boat Show had one of the busiest opening weekends the show has experienced in years and saw an 8 percent increase in total attendance over the average of the past three years’ shows, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which produces the show, reported yesterday.
Overall attendance for the show was 90,270, an increase of 3 percent from 2006 (88,053) and dealers across the board reported strong sales, indicating the upcoming year will be a profitable one for the Canadian boating business, NMMA said.
Gary Poole, co-owner of Buckeye Marine (dealer for Regal, Chaparral, Princecraft and MasterCraft), was very impressed with the show’s strong opening weekend.
“Typically, we have a gradual build over the course of the show,” said Poole. “But this year we had a remarkable opening, including the first Monday when we had the snow storm. We sold seven units that day alone. We expect to surpass last year’s unit sales of 52 by at least eight units and anticipate selling 100 units before the season begins.”
In light of exhibitors’ comments and the overall show results, assistant show manager Cynthia Hare said, “For the past few years, the show has been very focused on a strategic plan to grow quality attendance and improve the retail environment. Together with our marketing team, show committee and exhibitors, this unified effort has produced strong results, with very good sales and leads. We’re extremely pleased with the outcome for the manufacturers and dealers in the Toronto Show.”
The 2008 Toronto International Boat Show will take place Jan. 11- 20.
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