This summer, a holiday at sea!

Holidays on board will once again boost nautical tourism this summer which, according to GlobeSailor forecasts, is already attracting more tourists than at this time last year.

This is a fact that is reflected in the 13% increase in bookings registered in the first quarter of this year by the customized boat and cruise charter agency, which has released data on its activity in the Spanish and Latin American (Latam) markets.

An important part of the bookings registered are from clients who have chosen again this year to enjoy their holidays on board and who have chosen to plan them in advance to get more competitive prices and greater availability of boats in the desired destination. A habit that already reaches 40% of bookings in the case of Spanish customers.

The 2024 nautical season in the boat rental sector is presented with new trends, especially in the section of destinations preferred by tourists. This year, after a period in which local destinations have prevailed, GlobeSailor is registering more requests for boats for charter in places outside the usual international circuits. This has prompted the agency to develop new partnerships with charter companies to expand the availability of the charter fleet in destinations such as Turkey, San Blas (Panama), Zanzibar and Chile.

"We are expanding our offer of ships in destinations that have been less popular until now, with original and unusual proposals, because we perceive an increase in demand in less popular countries, a trend to which the Spanish market is no stranger. And we want to attract that more adventurous tourist profile that is looking to explore sailing in more exotic destinations that also include activities related to their hobbies," says Alicia Iglesias, Country Manager of GlobeSailor Spain Latam.

The top international destinations with the highest number of bookings are Greece, Croatia and Italy, in that order.

Alongside these circuits, there is an increase in the number of sailing charters in Turkey, which is once again attracting Spanish clients looking for more exclusive experiences such as family gulet trips. Among the more exotic locations, bookings in Polynesia stand out.

By type of boat, the majority of tourists choose to sail on catamarans, which now account for 60% of the bookings, followed by sailing boats, which account for 30%. The remaining 10% of bookings, in the first three months of this year, corresponds to yacht and gulet charters.