South African travellers have an appetite for canal boating

The South African Le Boat office recently walked away with the international prize as the long-distance office with the best growth worldwide, like it did two years ago. "This is a wonderful feather in the cap of our South African team, but also points to South Africans’ zest for adventure," says Nel.

"Seen against the backdrop of worldwide economic instability and the weak rand, makes our office’s performance that more noteworthy. But it is definitely also saying something about South Africans’ adaptability, appetite for exploring the world and love for the outdoors."

The canal cruises are ideal for relaxing on deck, navigating the boat and just having a ball with friends while the world floats past you. You can take bicycles on board to cycle around or walk along the canals or in the little towns.

Nel says another reason for the success is that Le Boat South Africa quotes in rand and that the quoted price is not subject to any further exchange rate fluctuations.

Every year more than 4,000 South Africans make use of the European Le Boat’s canal boats, which are not the large boats where you simply travel along and are being served. These are fully equipped boats with between one and five cabins which you and your friends rent and then steer by yourself. You can dock a few times a day and purchase fresh baguettes and cheese and wine from the area as well as other supplies for your boat’s pantry and enjoy the adventure of cruising in and around the sluices. While France has by far the most routes, canal cruises can be undertaken in most of Europe and the British Isles.

Le Boat expects that up to 20% more South Africans will be enjoying the canals and rivers of Europe in this manner in 2017.

Le Boat is part of Travelopia group – a water recreation business with 30 million clients per annum and more than 80 bases worldwide.