The 64th CARAVAN SALON has officially opened in Düsseldorf, drawing industry leaders, policymakers, and visitors from around the world to one of the largest trade fairs for mobile travel.
The event, which runs through Sept. 7, began with remarks from North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister President Hendrik Wüst and Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller, underscoring the economic and cultural importance of the caravanning sector.
This year’s edition features 810 exhibitors from 41 countries, occupying 15 halls of the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center.
The fair brings together established international manufacturers and new market entrants, offering a comprehensive showcase of motorhomes, caravans, campervans, roof tents, and accessories.
According to a press release, Minister President Wüst highlighted the role of the event in driving innovation and supporting economic growth.
“The CARAVAN SALON impressively demonstrates how technology and vision go hand in hand,” Wüst said.
He added that the demand for caravanning contributes to both economic success and advancements in areas such as climate-neutral parking sites and digitally supported tourist services.
Wüst emphasized the connection between the sector and the region’s broader transformation.
“Apart from this, the caravanning industry is exemplary for the structural change in North Rhine-Westphalia, combining sustainability with progress and creating skilled jobs in many economic sectors. So the caravanning industry is a pioneering force and function, especially for the tourism industry,” he said.
Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor Keller also underscored the city’s role in hosting the global event. “CARAVAN SALON, the world’s leading trade fair for mobile travel, underlines the appeal of Düsseldorf as a trade fair location and impressively demonstrates how much the holiday format of individual, flexible and mobile travel is gaining in importance,” Keller said.
Pointing to rising motorhome registrations, Keller noted the popularity of the caravanning lifestyle.
“Düsseldorf offers the ideal setting for this: while the trade fair is the industry’s meeting place, the city is transformed into Europe’s largest campsite – here you can wake up with a view of the Rhine and then discover the diversity of the industry, but also the diversity of Düsseldorf,” he said.
Industry representatives described the event as a central hub for international collaboration. Bernd Löher, president of the Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD), called CARAVAN SALON “the undisputed highlight of the year.”
He added: “The trade fair is not only the largest stage for new products, but has also developed into the central platform for professional exchange within the industry and dialogue with tourism, politics and other economic sectors.”
Beyond vehicles, the event features a wide range of tourism and leisure content. Exhibitors in Hall 7, for example, present hiking, trekking, and biking options designed to inspire travelers seeking active holiday experiences.
The trade fair also includes stage programs and live events, with schedules and updates available on the official website.
For more information about the event, visit their website here.
Featured image by Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann