Düsseldorf, Germany
January 18-26, 2025
The Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) returns to Boot Düsseldorf 2025, the world’s largest exhibition for yachting, diving, stand-up paddling, and other watersports to promote Palau as a premier destination for travelers. The nine-day exhibition was held at Messe Düsseldorf, Germany, spanning 16 halls and covering 220,000 square meters and attracting over 250,000 visitors and featured approximately 1,500 exhibitors from around the world. This marks Palau’s return to Boot Düsseldorf after a long absence, making it a significant moment in PVA's international marketing efforts.
PVA's delegation included Mr. Jackson Doktok, Chairman of the Board; Mr. Kadoi Ruluked, Managing Director; Ms. Katarina Mad, State & Community Manager; Ms. Sharrise Ngiraked, Strategic Planning Manager; Ms. Mika Onodera, PVA JICA Expert; and Mr. Tibey Ongalibang, Digital Marketing Representative,
Joining PVA at the event were representatives from Fish n' Fins and Hotel Indigo, while Sam’s Tours exhibited right next to PVA's booth in Hall 12. Together, these partners highlighted Palau's unparalleled marine experiences, from world-class diving to sustainable tourism initiatives.
Mr. Doktok and Mr. Ruluked, along with the PVA members, met with China Airlines' Frankfurt office to plan future Familiarization Tours to Palau, discussing potential collaborations to enhance travel accessibility and attract more visitors from Europe.
To captivate visitors and promote Palau's unique cultural heritage, PVA hosted daily raffles, offering prizes such as Belau Eco Glass and traditional Palauan storyboards. Attendees also had the opportunity to sample Melolau, Palau's beloved coconut syrup, allowing them to experience the island's rich flavors and traditions.
Boot Düsseldorf 2025 featured various water sports, including diving, surfing, skimboarding, stand-up paddling, canoeing, and more. These activities align perfectly with Palau’s renowned marine attractions, further positioning the island as a top destination for adventure seekers and ocean enthusiasts.
Boot Düsseldorf 2025 provided an invaluable platform for PVA to engage with the European market, fostering interest in Palau as a premier destination for diving, yachting, and eco-tourism. The overwhelming enthusiasm from visitors reaffirmed the growing appeal of Palau's pristine marine environment and sustainable travel offerings.
Prior to the pandemic, the European market averaged approximately 4,000 annual visitors. In 2019, Palau welcomed 3,736 European arrivals. As of December 2024, visitor numbers from Europe have reached 3,442, indicating positive momentum towards full recovery. The only market that has demonstrated complete recovery is the USA/Canada, which has exceeded 2019 arrival figures by approximately 2,000 visitors. The Palau Visitors Authority anticipates continued growth in European visitor arrivals and remains committed to supporting this vital market.
“Leveraging increased flight frequency with China Airlines, facilitated by Taiwan's support, and building on our ongoing recovery efforts, we strategically are targeting the European market," explained Managing Director Kadoi Ruluked. Europe has proven a valuable source of tourism for Palau, characterized by high-value visitors who stay longer, prioritize sustainability, and are eager to engage in our water and cultural activities. These are precisely the type of travelers PVA aims to attract.
