News has broken this morning that the German international boat show 'boot Düsseldorf' has been cancelled due to the Omicron variant.
The biggest boat show in the world - 'boot Düsseldorf' - is held annually in January
In recent weeks, various countries in Europe have applied travel and event restrictions to help prevent the spread of this new version of the Covid-19 virus.
Following a meeting of the Minister Presidents of the federal states in Germany on 21 December 2021, the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) banned large events in January 2022. This includes boot Düsseldorf, the largest boat show in the world.
It is with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye to holding boot in January 2022. Wolfram N. Diener, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf
NRW has already banned large football matches and sporting events with spectators. The next logical step is to ban large events, especially when the attendees are international. The move to cancel Boot has been supported by Dr Stephan Keller, Düsseldorf's Lord Mayor.
From left to right: Rannvá Tórfríð Jørmundsson (Fourth Element), Tiffany Norberg (Baltic Circle Diving), Beatrice Rivoira (Marine Biologist), Rosemary E. Lunn (EUROTEK Co-founder and diving journalist) and Dorota Czerny (GUE Vice President) photographed at Boot 2020.
Dr Stephan Keller stated "We had had hoped that the pandemic situation in January would allow Boot to be held under strict hygiene conditions. But in the end, it is only consistent to do without large public fairs such as Boot in order to contain the spread of the omicron variant. Even before the country's ban, I agreed with the management of Messe Düsseldorf not to take an unjustifiable risk and to cancel boot if necessary."
The heartfelt thanks of the entire boot Düsseldorf team go to all exhibitors, associations and partners who have stood by our side to date. Wolfram N. Diener, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf
Wolfram N. Diener, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf confirmed that the decision of the state government is in line with the wishes of many exhibitors who were worried about participating in Boot during the omicron wave. He stated, "I ask all those involved for their understanding and support so that we can get back to work together in full force in 2023. The heartfelt thanks of the entire boot Düsseldorf team go to all exhibitors, associations and partners who have stood by our side to date. I am sure that together we will head for a successful boot 2023, after hopefully surviving the crisis."
Tickets
The organisers have advised that if you have already purchased eTickets via the boot ticket shop, they will be automatically refunded. This process may take up to three weeks.
It's a pity but our health comes first. Dirk Claus, boot Düsseldorf attendee
boot Düsseldorf
The dates for the 2023 Boot Show are 21-29 January 2023.
