Holiday and Boating Giants Sail into Inland Waterways
– TUI Marine, the Bénéteau Group and Seaway to Create new Environmental
Motor Leisure Cruiser for Inland Waterways Holiday Company, Le Boat
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.
