Holiday and boating giants to sail inland

Le Boat, part of TUI Marine, the marine division of the Activity Sector of TUI Travel Plc, the world’s largest holiday company, has signed an historic agreement with two formidable giants of the boating industry: the Bénéteau Group, the world’s number one sail boat builder and Seaway, the world’s leading boat design and development company, based in Slovenia.

The three companies are set to shake up the inland waterways boating industry with the design, development and build of a new-style leisure motor boat, which will be exclusive to Le Boat, the world’s largest operator of self-drive boating holidays and a leading brand within the TUI Marine portfolio.

“An incredible pool of talent from around the world has come together to create this exciting new venture,” comments Lex Raas, TUI Marine CEO. “Over the next few years we will transform the Le Boat fleet of self-drive motor cruisers and significantly change the way boating holidays are both perceived and enjoyed.”

The Bénéteau Group and Seaway will use their skills and expertise in the fields of hybrid technology and solar energy to ensure the new boats meet consumer demands for environmental efficiency as well as commercial needs for cost-effectiveness on a large scale. All three companies are publicly committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their activities, products and services worldwide.

The new-style boats, which will feature low wave-making hulls to minimise river bank erosion, will also be better adapted to and comfortable for use in all climates. Le Boat customers will be consulted widely to ensure that on-board comforts – such as satellite and MP3 connectivity are installed potentially as standard.

Demand for inland waterways boating holidays is at an all time high and Le Boat (formerly Crown Blue Line and Connoisseur in Europe) plans to introduce the new-style boat in all its key cruising areas. For 2010 Le Boat customers will have the choice of over 200 self-drive cruising routes departing from 42 bases in eight European countries.