After opening yesterday, the HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show was closed today due to growing fears about spread of the coronavirus pandemic, sending more than 250 exhibitors home.
RAI Amsterdam immediately followed the instructions of the Dutch government to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show organizers.
According to the RIVM, the public health authority in the Netherlands, the risk of contamination has become too great to allow certain events to continue. That means the HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show, which opened on Wednesday, will close immediately.
“This is a very drastic measure for our visitors, for our exhibitors, for our suppliers, and of course, for RAI Amsterdam,” said RAI Amsterdam’s HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show exhibition manager Gertjan Roos in a statement. “We take our responsibility to minimize the chance of the virus spreading further.”
The advice from the health authorities and the Dutch government have remained a guiding principle for organizers, said Roos.
“We must and want to do our part to stop the virus from spreading as quickly as possible,” said Roos. “The health and well-being of everyone involved is paramount.”
More than 250 exhibitors gathered at RAI Amsterdam for the 65th anniversary of the HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show to showcase trends and designs in the world of watersports, as well as a variety of boats and accessories.
