Economics of renting boat, rather than hotel, offers sector potential, says Boatsy
This boat is listed on Boatsy’s website for 1500 USD per day (it sleeps ten)
New boat rental forecast research commissioned by new-on-the-block, boat-rental marketplace, Boatsy, posits that increasing consumer demand for boat rentals will continue apace. And, boat rental holidays are now effectively competing with traditional hotel-based holidays.
Compiling insights from its 2024 reservations and enquiries and other sources, Boatsy has identified anticipated trends for 2025, including the competition between premium all-inclusive holidays and sailing holidays, and the potential for industry growth due to the strong boat supply pipeline.
It says that sailing holidays are 18-34 per cent more affordable (for an average group of eight people), compared to mainland and island hotel stays in the Mediterranean for the 2025 summer season. That’s based on boat rental cost at an assumed rate of €12K per week in the region on average for a capacity of eight people.
In addition to a sharp rise in hotel prices in comparison to sailing prices, boat supply growth is expected to outpace hotel supply growth by 2030 (data based on non-US figures, sourced from Eurostat and Technavio). This, Boatsy suggests, will subsequently fuel even further competitiveness for sailing holidays. The company says it has over 10,000 yachts available for charters worldwide.
The company also notes shifts in consumer behaviour and preferences for experiential-based travel for European consumers, play a part.
In 2022-2023, the growth of the cruising market (14 per cent) outpaced the luxury hotel market growth (4 per cent). This significant shift demonstrates the importance of a sailing holiday’s unique value propositions, Boatsy says.
It estimates that the online global boat rental market was around $20bn USD in 2023.
“The data uncovered is a clear indication of the cruising and yachting industry’s growing appeal,” says MD Alp Ocal. “With an overwhelming value proposition that is too good to ignore, it’s clear that more consumers are considering a holiday at sea than ever before. At Boatsy, we’re committed to providing consumers with ultimate autonomy and flexibility to curate their perfect escape.”
Boatsy launched this year. It bills itself as ‘a much-needed resource for British consumers considering booking a holiday at sea’ and says it provides counsel, helping travellers choose from hundreds of the world’s best sailing routes, and helping with concierge services once in-destination too, such as booking restaurants and experiences.
Read about companies operating the shared boat ownership model.
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