Organizers of Boot Düsseldorf, one of the world’s largest boat shows, have said that demand for space has picked up as the event prepares to open this weekend.

An extra three thousand square feet of space have been added to the show this year, which may not sound like a lot but is being seen as a positive sign for the eight day event, which suffered with the rest of the industry in the economic downturn.

Consumers could see some good from the recession, with the economic conditions challenging and strengthening the varied exhibitors who will be at the event.

According to organizers, this has led to new concepts for beginners, more attractive price-performance ratios and new, more environmentally-friendly products.

Thus, expect a flood of announcements from major yacht makers at the event, although several have already announced what they’ll be showing, with Hanse Yachts debuting its new Hanse 495, Bavaria showing its new Cruiser 40, Delphia introducing the Delphia 46CC and Elan the new Elan 53.

The largest yacht at the show will be the Sunseeker 88, a 27 meter yacht which can accommodate 8 guests, 4 crew and offers a maximum range of 350 nautical miles.

Although luxury is very much the tone in some halls, not all of Boot Düsseldorf’s 1,550 exhibitors will be showing off yachts with eyewatering prices.

In recent years, the show has adapted to cover what it calls ‘360 degrees’ of water activities — so guests can also look forward to extensive displays of other equipment and products for activities such as waterskiing, scuba diving, fishing and even underwater photography.

An addition to the 2011 show will be the “Blue Motion” lounge area, created to support the hundreds of thousands of attendees expected, which offers 500 square meters of space with new shops and restaurants.

AFPrelaxnews – Boot Düsseldorf runs January 22 – 30 in Düsseldorf, Germany.