Significant Growth in Attendance for Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show

The 13th annual Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show ended on a high note with 24.8% increase in attendance compared to the previous year. This major event, organized by the Quebec Maritime Association (QMA), was held at Place Bonaventure from February 9th to 12th.

This increase makes a lot of sense when you consider that there is currently a major boom in nautical activities across the country. According to a new statistical study conducted by the National Marine Manufacturer's Association (NMMA) with data obtained by Statistics Canada and Transport Canada, approximately 10,5 million Canadian adults went boating at least once during 2011 (38% of the population). This represents an increase of 4 million over an earlier study conducted in 2006 by Genesis Research. In Quebec, 40% of adults went boating last year, which translates to nearly 2,6 million boaters.

The enthusiasm of Quebecers for water sports is not limited only to individual boating. People are getting involved en masse. For example, a considerable number of day camps and summer camps that introduce children to sailing have recently emerged. Teens can now enroll in a sailing sports-study program. Also a variety of marine shows such as Transat Quebec-St Malo as well as open-door events at marinas have been created. In addition, programs such as the Quebec Nautical Stations (by QMA) have developed to better promote boating destinations in the province and to make them more accessible to citizens.

With 400 models of boats and over 200 exhibitors, the Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show is the largest event of its kind in Quebec. It is the annual gathering of all boating enthusiasts and the industry. “This year, the many attractions and fun family activities were able to entertain young and old. Visitors have been particularly impressed by the common area of Quebec Nautical Stations”, says Yves Paquette, Head of QMA. “They were able to find unusual destinations in order to plan their next summer vacation. Also, the atmosphere was very festive at the Show. The exhibitors were very pleased because of the high participation of visitors.”