AS THE benefits of the vaccine programmes at home and abroad start to take effect, we can look ahead to better times, plan that next big getaway, and reconnect with loved ones and the great outdoors.
Le Boat has seen a huge demand from holidaymakers wanting to escape the crowds and to make the most of their time with family and friends again. There has been a significant spike in domestic travel, with the company’s English Thames and Scottish Caledonian Canal offerings proving particularly popular, so much so that additional boats were deployed to both regions this year to meet increased guest numbers.
The Le Boat team can report that early 2022 sales now exceed those of pre-pandemic levels, with British and Irish customer bookings across all destinations up 37%, compared with 2019 forward bookings recorded in October 2018.
Broken down by country for the same period, Boat rentals in England are up 130%, in Scotland up 192% and in Ireland up 82%. Encouragingly, holidays to France, which is Le Boat’s most travelled to destination, sales are up 37%, with a clear appetite for short-haul overseas travel returning.
Managing director Cheryl Brown said: “Our impressive results demonstrate that so many of us are ready to travel again, with our boats offering the perfect sanctuary on which to satisfy our sense of wanderlust and to spend much missed quality time together.
“All of our cruising routes allow our customers to appreciate the fresh air and wide open spaces, and to explore destinations at their own pace, in a safe and beautiful environment. We look forward to welcoming guests back on board in 2022..
Le Boat’s Covid Safety Charter, which was implemented last year, 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 make one date change to their booking free of charge up to 14 days before their departure. And in the event of Covid related restrictions stopping travel, guests will be offered a credit note or receive a full cash refund, right up to the day of their departure.
To plan your Le Boat trip call 02392 801125 or visit www.leboat.co.uk
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