EDITORIAL - SLOWW! 2027
Scaling up to advance the river transport sector
For several years now, river and waterway tourism has established itself as an essential component of a more sustainable tourism sector. sustainable, more balance and deeply anchor in the territories. At the crossroads of transport, tourism and innovation, this sector is experiencing sustained growth and holds considerable potential for France and Europe.
In ten years, the market has doubled. This dynamic, estimated at between 5 and 7% annual growth for river transport and even more for inland waterways - confirms a profound transformation: that of a sector now structure, attractive and fully integrated to the contemporary challenges of ecological transition and territorial development.
In this context, SLOWW! established itself, under the aegis of Voies Navigables de France (VNF) and, through its various editions, as a place for meetings, exchanges, and collective building. Its purpose is clear: to bring together all the players in the ecosystem to bring about concrete solutions and support the growth of the sector.
The 2027 edition marks a decisive step with the organization entrusted for the first time to Entreprises Fluviales de France (E2F). By setting up at the CNIT Forest - Paris La Défense, in the heart of Europe's leading business district, SLOWW! is changing scale and asserting a strengthened ambition : to become the reference event for river and inland waterway transport in France, with an increased international focus.
This choice reflects a strong desire: to broaden the circle of actors, strengthen the economic and strategic dimension of the trade fair, and accelerate cooperation at the national and European level.
For two days, SLOWW! will bring together operators, infrastructure managers, manufacturers, local authorities, institutions, investors, and innovators around a common goal: to advance the sector. Conferences, professional meetings, and business appointments will make this event a true hub for connections, innovation, and strategic thinking.
More than ever, waterways are emerging as a solution for the future. To meet the challenges of decarbonization, optimizing mobility and enhancing the value of territories, the development of river transport and river-based services relies on our collective ability to cooperate, innovate and sustainably structure the sector.
SLOWW! 2027 will be the key moment when this shared ambition will take on its full dimension.
Didier Leandri
President, French River Enterprises, organizer.
Event organized with the support of Voies Navigables de France and the competition Centaure Live
President, French River Enterprises, organizer.
Event organized with the support of Voies Navigables de France and the competition Centaure Live