The Boating Finland research project had a strong presence at BOOT Düsseldorf 2026, where Finland gained international visibility as a boating and water tourism destination. In collaboration with PookiPro Management and the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat, the project implemented two exhibition concepts, offering visitors a comprehensive introduction to Finnish boats and waterways.
Finland’s archipelago—one of the largest in the world with over 40,000 islands—along with its extensive lake regions, attracted considerable interest among international audiences. Although Finland is still a relatively unfamiliar boating tourism destination in many international markets, Finnish boats have been prominently represented at BOOT for many years and are widely recognized for their high quality and distinctive design.
Boating Finland constructed a six-meter dome in Hall 1, where visitors were able to experience immersive 360-degree visuals of Finland’s waterways, lakes, and archipelago. In addition, the project was present in Hall 13 in collaboration with Visit Lahti Lakeland and companies from the Päijänne region, providing information about Finnish water tourism destinations and services.
Studies Supporting the Development of the Boating and Tourism Sectors
During the event, the project conducted a total of seven different studies examining the expectations, behaviors, and interests of international boating enthusiasts and potential tourists. The studies were carried out successfully, and the collected data is currently being analyzed and compiled to support the development of the Finnish boating industry and water tourism sector.
The research findings will be presented at the Innovation Forum, to be held on 12 February at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in connection with the Vene 26 Båt Boat Show in Helsinki. The forum will bring together industry stakeholders to discuss the implications of the research results for boat exports and tourism development.