Boot Holland 2025 cancelled due to ‘market conditions’

The organisers of Boot Holland, the Netherlands’ only indoor watersports fair, have announced the cancellation of the 2025 edition. The next event is scheduled for 11–15 March 2026 at the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden.

In a statement, organiser WTC Expo said the decision to cancel this year’s fair was “not taken lightly” and was made “in consultation with various stakeholders.”

The main reasons cited for the decision are challenging economic market conditions affecting the marine industry.

“The water sports sector is looking for a new balance after the impact of the coronavirus crisis and the subsequent global economic uncertainty,” the statement reads. “This uncertainty means that there would be insufficient quality and supply represented at the 2025 fair.”

Of the approximately 100 exhibitors already confirmed for 2025, most have been personally informed of the postponement. Nearly all have expressed their intention to participate in the 2026 edition, according to organisers. Visitors who have purchased tickets will receive automatic refunds.

“It was not an easy decision to move the fair, but we are convinced that this step is in the interest of all parties involved. Boot Holland 2026 will be a stronger and more innovative event,” says Peter Ourensma, general manager of WTC Expo. “We are happy to talk to all parties to make the next edition a success. The commitments we are already receiving for the next edition support us tremendously in this.”

Boat shows cancelled

The news follows a spate of boat show cancellations in Europe, following the news that the Gothenburg Boat Show is to close down after 65 years in February 2025. 

This year’s Paris boat show has also been cancelled due to ‘market conditions’. The indoor boat show, BoatLife 2025, originally scheduled to take place from 6 to 9 February 2025 in Birmingham, UK, has also been cancelled after just three editions.