Boost in canal boat bookings gives confidence for the future
Cheryl Howes of Kate Boats continues the series from Drifters – a consortium of independent self-drive hire boat companies set up to promote enjoyment of canal holidays.
WE WERE absolutely delighted to reopen our boat yards on Saturday, July 4, when the Government gave the go-ahead for domestic holidays to resume.
Although we lost more than three months of the season, bookings have been terrific for the remainder of 2020 and also for 2021, giving us confidence for the future.
In fact, in the two-week period after English holidays were given the go-ahead, Drifters saw a 240% increase in bookings over the same two-week period last year and the majority of Drifters boats are now booked out for the rest of the summer peak.
Canal boat holidaymakers have been so happy to be able to go on a self-catered break afloat, but they are also quite cautious and keen to follow the new social distance guidelines we’ve implemented at our boatyards.
We’ve noticed that people are bringing a lot more provisions with them and it’s been great to see many newcomers to our holidays. Many existing customers have extended their holidays and added another boat to their booking so that friends can join them.
We’ve also received an increase in press trip requests, so we look forward to seeing a greater profile for our holidays in national newspapers and magazines, which will hopefully lead to yet more newcomers enjoying a waterway holiday in the coming year.
That said, we are well aware that the pandemic is far from over, and there are months and possibly years of uncertainty ahead for everyone.