Le Boat unveils 2021 brochure as domestic travel makes waves
Canal breaks and river cruising in the UK, Ireland and Europe
SINCE the return to the waters in July, Le Boat has seen huge demand from holidaymakers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the great outdoors.
The operator, which has a fleet of more than 900 self-drive boats worldwide, has launched its 2021 brochure. It coincides with the news that bookings for UK travel in 2021 with Le Boat are already up 133% year on year.
Cheryl Brown, managing director of Le Boat, said: “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.”
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 Kingstonupon-Thames and Oxford, also for cruises in the Highlands, encompassing the beautiful Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness, has led to a decision by the Le Boat team to increase the number of craft available in England and Scotland for the 2021 season.
Le Boat reports that its 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 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 October 31, 2022 or receive a guaranteed cash refund.
The 2021 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. It is available in print and for download from www. leboat.co.uk