A flood of bookings for boating holidays

Waterways Holidays, the UK’s leading website for those seeking a boating holiday in the UK, reports an increase in sales this year in excess of 40 per cent.

“It’s been well reported that many UK holidaymakers have chosen not to travel overseas this year, but perhaps less well known is the fact that one of the major beneficiaries of the ‘staycation’ has been boating holidays,” says managing director, Nigel Richards.

“It seems that people have been looking for a holiday that offers plenty to do and see even if, as has happened, the weather has not yet reached the ‘barbecue summer’ heights predicted by the forecasters.

“The Norfolk Broads is the best-known boating holiday location and the ‘sold out’ sign has been up right from the start of the summer break to the end of August. Many people seem to know little of the UK’s 3500 miles of other navigable waterways and we’ve spent a lot of time in advising enquirers on the delights of lesser-known but just as beautiful and interesting boating holidays throughout the rest of England, Scotland and Wales.

“Once people experience the relaxation of a boating holiday they often return year after year; we’re confident that 2009 represents a major upturn for holidays afloat that will benefit not just the boating holiday operators but also the many river- and canal-side businesses that depend on tourism.”

Visit waterwaysholidays.com for live availability on more than 1500 narrowboats and cruisers operated by the UK’s leading boat operators and with more than 50 different start locations. The website also offers lots of advice on boating holidays as well as featuring listings of the latest special offers.