Blakes adds Germany and Italy for 2001

Product update

Blakes adds Germany and Italy for 2001

Report by STEVE JONES

BLAKES Boating Holidays has added Germany and Italy to its 2001 programme in a bid to strengthen its European portfolio and encourage repeat bookers.

The Thomson-owned operator has positioned eight Classique boats in each country and brings its number of featured destinations to nine.

Blakes managing director Roger Peverett said: “We have a number of clients who have been with us before and we wanted to offer some new destinations.”

In Germany, the Brandenburg and Mecklenburg waterways are featured, while in Italy, lagoons and canals in and around Venice are new.

Italy prices lead in at £158 per person for seven nights based on four sharing.

“Both new destinations are popular with the European market and we are convinced it will take off in the UK over the next two or three years,” said Peverett.

Meanwhile, more boats have been made available for short breaks following a further increase in shorter-duration holidays.

Peverett said three and four-night breaks now account for 37% of its business.

“Six years ago it was only 10%,” he added. “We expect further growth in this market.”

The UK remains the core market for Blakes and demand for narrowboats has seen capacity increased for next year. Additional boats have been positioned on the Kennet and Avon and Leeds to Liverpool canals.

Peverett said overall growth of 5% is being targeted, taking carryings to around 80,000.

Booking offers include savings of up to £100 on a second Blakes cottage or boating holiday and free learn-to-sail tuition on the Norfolk Broads.

Gaining strength: launching the brochure are Blakes managing director Roger Peverett and reservations supervisor Ann Walton.