First-ever European COVID impact study shows mixed impact on industry in 2020, with optimism for coming years

May 4, 2021

The first-ever study by European Boating Industry, Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V., and boot Düsseldorf offers a unique insight into how the recreational boating industry in Europe fared in 2020 given the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented at the International Breakfast Meeting on 20 April and now published, the study shows a mixed impact on the industry in 2020 with a positive outlook for the next years and some clear trends. 

The study, led by two graduates of the Jade University Wilhelmshaven in Germany (Amelie Cesar & Natascha Zwenke) is the result of a unique cooperation between European Boating Industry, Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V. and boot Düsseldorf. The study analyses the impact of the pandemic in 2020 on a number of key indicators and the outlook of the industry. It is based on the responses of companies within EBI’s membership that were surveyed in late 2020 following the end of the summer season, as well as interviews with experts among EBI’s full members. 

The study shows a varied picture of the impact of COVID-19 and the various restrictions at national level for 2020, with some countries and some sub-sectors more impacted than others. Some markets however also did exceptionally well with revenues increasing. A clear picture emerges for 2021 and beyond, showing a positive outlook for companies. It also demonstrates the need for political support measures at national and European level. 

Some key messages from the study: 

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Over 96 % of companies that responded were SMEs, and almost half were micro-SMEs. 

• Revenue: A third of companies indicated an increase while more than half recorded a drop in revenues. Companies with their main activity in tourism and production have been hit harder than companies in the distribution sector and service sectors. 

• Employment: 23 % of companies had to lay off employees while 22% increased employment. The impact on employment may be more significant in the long-term.  

• Future trends: The interest in boating is seen as increasing in the short- and the long-term. Companies increasingly focus on digitalisation and partly also on environmental sustainability. Investments had to however be postponed in 2020 given the pandemic. 

• Government support: In all countries, governments supported companies in difficulty. Government support however remains necessary on a national and European level with a focus on financial support, effective legislation, and promotion. 

• Industry outlook: The outlook for businesses in the boating industry is perceived as positive for 2021 with only 23% seeing it as poor. 

The full results of the study and analysis are available for members of EBI, BVWW and the network of boot Düsseldorf. A limited version and executive summary can be downloaded here.