The 2010 Grand Pavois was very much awaited by professionals and is undoubtedly a success. The sun shined, numerous visitors strolled along the pontoons and the alleys and all the exhibitors made sales. Optimism reigned again for many yards that left the boat show with signed contracts and purchases promises.
At the 2010 Grand Pavois Boat Show in La Rochelle France - Image courtesy of Grand Pavois
The 38th Grand Pavois ended last evening. Alain Pochon – President – said at the closing press conference: “It is too early to do the 2010 edition complete record. The Grand Pavois just closed its doors. But I can tell that it is a great edition, for visitors and professionals. What we know by now is that we had a 3% increase in the number of visitors with 104 000 people that came to the boat show. This is an important fact when we know that most of the boat shows have a frequentation decline. We noticed the come back of visitors that did not come for one or two years. Plus, they intended to buy! We also quoted a non-French visitors number increase with Spanish, English, Belgian and Swiss, Brazilian and Italian mostly. On the side of France, the visitors came from the West coast and the main Western cities, from Paris and the 2010 new comers where from the Mediterranean coasts. That is very interesting for us. Finally we had a 20% increase of professional visitors (ed. Pass’port nautique).”
Relief is for sure observable at the end of the boat show. And optimism reigns. “Confidence seems to be back and optimism reigns at the end of the boat show. However, we cannot yet talk about industry revival. It seems to start again slowly after a violent hinder but the activities levels will, this is my opinion, need some years to reach those of the “golden” years. Still, the atmosphere was very pleasant and our customers never stopped sailing… That is already very comforting. It seems to me that the customers – by now – consider the purchases that were not done because of the crisis. All sectors and all the professionals that attended the boat show made sales. The boatyards admit a renewed interest for boats from 35 to 38 feet, which is new. As an ending, we can say that the Grand Pavois is a business boat show. Professionals tell us so and confirm it each year. Now, we hope that it will continue for the next weeks and months.”
2010 Grand Pavois Show - Image courtesy of Grand Pavois
50% of the visitors stopped at Tahiti and her Islands Hall.
An authentic success for Tahiti and her Islands that has charmed our visitors. Bernard Bousquet, Director of Tahiti Tourisme in Paris: “It is a success! And an important success for our destination… The public gave us the heartiest of welcomes and the hall was never empty. We estimate the number of visitors to 1 out of 2 (ed. More than 50 000) of the boat show visitors. That is a success! Plus, the art crafters that attended the boat show are all delighted.”
The 2011 guest will be revealed at the Nautic (Paris boat show). According to Christophe Vieux (C.E.O of the Grand Pavois) “the short list could be Bulgaria, China or Morocco, the delegations that came to the 2010 edition…” Stay tuned.
2011 Grand Pavois…
“The 2011 Grand Pavois will be held from the 14th to the 19th of September. This edition starts an important countdown for the association. In 2012 the Grand Pavois will celebrate its 40th edition!” said Alain Pochon, President of the Grand Pavois, as a conclusion to the Press Conference.
