February 25, 2021
Vancouver, BC – The Virtual Vancouver International Boat Show got underway Wednesday, with exhibitors offering many new and innovative boats and accessories in the BC marketplace. A survey of exhibitors suggests consumer interest is riding a strong wave of popularity.
Attending the show is FREE! Registration is made possible by Yamaha Canada and is open now for the 2021 Virtual Vancouver Boat Show, on now until February 27. Sign-up at VancouverBoatShow.ca
The Vancouver Boat show is taking place through Saturday, and boating dealerships and businesses who are participating suggest consumer interest is healthy and the sector is strong:
- 45.5 per cent say they experienced business growth in 2020 and a further 36 per cent say business was on par with that of 2019.
- 70 per cent agree or strongly agree that they experienced an overall increase in consumer interest in 2020
- 70 per cent agree or strongly agree that they experienced a notable increase in inquiries/sales from first time boaters and/or new customers
- 70 per cent agree or strongly agree say they experienced a notable increase in inquiries/sales from customers under age 40
- 63.6 per cent anticipate inventory may be low by the start of the boating season (between 20% and 50% of remaining stock by May 2021)
“In a typical year, we find that people who are new to boating, or who are interested in learning what the boating lifestyle provides, commonly wait until we shift into the warmer-weather months to begin shopping,” says Vancouver International Boat Show Manager, Eric Nicholl. “But the pandemic meant that people were looking for activities they could do locally, and what better place than BC’s beautiful waterscapes. We’re seeing a high level of interest amongst new and young boaters, and the boating season is kicking off earlier than ever before. We’re seeing high demand and if purchasing a boat is on your radar, it would be wise to start shopping now and not delay.”
Transport Canada issued a record number of Pleasure Craft Operator Cards (PCOC) in 2020, an increase of approximately 75% compared to 2019. This marks the highest number of new boater licences in Canada over the past six years.
“Interest in all types of boating in BC is continuing to grow,” says Boating BC Executive Director Bruce Hayne, “It’s certainly good news for communities throughout the province, as the boating sector is a major economic driver for the entire BC economy. Many of our businesses are family owned and are important local employers during this time. Providing quality employment is more critical than perhaps ever in this generation, and I’m proud that the boating industry is a part of it.”
For more information, please visit:www.VancouverBoatShow.ca.
Virtual Vancouver International Boat Show Hours:
Wednesday – Friday 11am – 7pm
Western Canada’s largest consumer boating event, the Vancouver International Boat Show is owned by the Boating BC Association and produced by Canadian Boat Shows.
Connect with the Vancouver International Boat Show at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanBoatShow/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boatingbc/
Twitter: @boatingbc
