Le Boat unveils 2021 brochure as domestic travel soars
Le Boat unveils 2021 brochure as domestic travel soars
Le Boat is the No.1 provider of boating holidays on Europe and Canada’s beautiful inland waterways, with the world’s largest fleet of over 900 self-drive boats. 2020 has been an exceptionally challenging year for all those in travel, but since a return to the waters in July, Le Boat has seen huge demand from holidaymakers wanting to escape the crowds, to enjoy the great outdoors, and to reconnect with loved ones. As the current boating season draws to a close, the operator is delighted to reveal the launch of its 2021 brochure, as well as details of an early booking incentive. Le Boat is also proud to announce even more investment in its craft and facilities, including the opening of a new marina in the Netherlands ahead of the new season.
The launch of the brochure coincides with the news that bookings for UK travel in 2021 with Le Boat are already up 133% year on year. The surge in interest for Le Boat’s cruises on the Thames, which allow boaters to explore the picturesque western section of the river between Kingston-upon-Thames and Oxford, and for their cruises in the Highlands, encompassing the beautiful Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness, has lead to a decision by the Le Boat team to increase the number of craft available in England and Scotland for the 2021 season. The operator has reported that their British customers are opting more for destinations that do not require air travel, with holidaymakers preferring to travel by car where possible. Le Boat destinations in France, the Netherlands and Belgium are also likely to see a spike in bookings from UK travellers in 2021, with an increased number of travellers expected to take their car to continental boating regions by shuttle or ferry.
Holidaymakers are being reassured by Le Boat’s Covid Safety Charter, which was implemented earlier this year and applies to all its destinations at home and abroad. The extensive health and safety procedures ensure customers have a safe and worry-free experience, without hindering the sense of freedom that a Le Boat holiday provides. The measures include supplying pre-departure information digitally, including a comprehensive safety video, enhanced cleaning processes at the Le Boat bases and on the boats, and the introduction of Perspex screens and hand-sanitiser at receptions. Furthermore, holidaymakers are protected by the operator’s Go Boating with Confidence flexible booking policy, which allows customers to change their booking free of charge up to the day of their departure, in the event of travel restrictions coming into force. And for those that do not want to rebook immediately, there is the option to receive a credit note for use towards a future holiday departing any time before 31 October 2022 or receive a guaranteed cash refund.
With demand set to be high in 2021 across all Le Boat destinations, customers are encouraged to book now to ensure they secure the boat type and dates that they desire. By booking well in advance, holidaymakers can also take advantage of Le Boat’s early discount offer, which is available across all its locations for travel made next year on holidays of seven nights or more. The discount of up to 15% applies to all 2021 bookings made by 1 December 2020, with the level of discount dependent on the boat type chosen.
The 2021 brochure is available in print and for download from the Le Boat website. Customers are encouraged to view the content digitally, with a 65% reduction in the number of physical copies being produced this year. The colourful brochure comprises 68 pages of inspiration and tips for first time cruisers as well as for seasoned boaters, providing details of Le Boat’s extensive operations in France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada and closer to home in England, Scotland and Ireland. With striking new imagery, the brochure also features comprehensive information about the Le Boat range of craft, all of which are easy to operate and require no previous experience. Readers can also learn about Le Boat’s superb range of extras in the new brochure, including bike hire, Wi-Fi, a grocery delivery service, pet friendly options, onboard barbecues and early boarding and late checkouts for those wanting to make the most of their time on the water.
As part its ongoing investment into its fleet and bases, Le Boat is excited to be expanding its operations in the Netherlands in 2021, where holidaymakers can discover the glistening lakes of the Friesland region alongside Holland’s great cities and historic towns. Until now, larger craft have been unable to access Le Boat’s base at the lively fishing village of Hindeloopen, but a new, bigger marina, set to open at nearby Stavoren, means one-way river cruising will now be possible for the first time for any class of boat. Additionally, Le Boat is finalising improvement works to its Vision and Mystique range of craft, and growing its ultra-modern Horizon fleet in Canada.
Cheryl Brown, Managing Director of Le Boat says, “There is no doubt that 2020 has given us a lesson in what’s truly important. Spending time with family and friends, enjoying the great outdoors and exploring new places were things we sometimes took for granted, but now we all appreciate them that little bit more. Our boating holidays are all about these simple, but cherished moments. They are the ideal getaway in a world where we are even more conscious about personal space and escaping the crowds. Our boats offer the perfect sanctuary and a welcome opportunity to spend quality time together and all of our cruising routes allow our customers to steer clear of busy tourist hot-spots, appreciate the great outdoors and explore destinations from a more authentic perspective. I am thrilled with our new brochure and look forward to welcoming guests back on board in 2021”.
