Gothenburg Boat Show closes down; this year will be the final edition
The 2025 Gothenburg Boat Show (February 1-9) is to be held for the 64th and final time next month. No other fair has been held as many times at the Swedish Exhibition Centre & Gothia Towers as this show, which for many years has been the first signal of the coming boating season. After this year’s fair, no more holdings of the event are planned.
Since its premiere in 1960, the Gothenburg Boat Show has grown to become a valued tradition. It has attracted an average of over 60,000 visitors annually over the years. The project has developed over time, but for various reasons the show has not been profitable enough in recent years. The decision to close is based on an overall assessment of the situation in the boating industry, the economy, new purchasing patterns, and the demand and needs that exist.
Despite attempts to adapt the fair to a changed industry and environment, it has not been enough to increase the project’s profitability.
“It is of course a sad but necessary decision to leave like this a little over a week before we open the 2025 boat show, but we want to avoid the spread of rumours and speculation during ongoing events,” says Benny Karlsson, commercial manager at the Swedish Exhibition Centre & Gothia Towers. “When conditions change, we need to act and make wise business decisions. We will not close the doors to a future boat show if the situation changes, but at present no more events are planned.
“We hope for understanding for our decision and that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to come and celebrate the wonderful boating life, visit the exhibitors, take part in world premieres and the fine stage program during this year’s boat show, which will be the last for a long time,” Karlsson adds.
The 2025 Gothenburg Boat Show will have more than 200 exhibitors, exciting boat premieres, a new sailing area, over 50 program items on stage, and fun activities for the whole family. In addition, a joint toast is planned for Saturday 8 February to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the show.
Source: IBI News
