Houseboating Adventures - Issue 18 - (Page 31)

Australia is in the grip of a major drought, and some very poor media writing keeps suggesting our river is near dry. Which is ridiculous given that it is only 2 feet below its normal pool level, and over 984’ wide. HBA: Where does Boatel typically cruise and what were the most popular attractions for visitors at your location? B: The attraction is the beauty of the river and it’s adjacent bushland. Houseboating in our region is a nature experience. We are located in the historic town of Mannum, on the River Murray, which is a couple of thousand km long. It is a very natural Australian bushland setting. We operate over about 150 km of the river. HBA: When is your rental season? B: Our weather is perfect for houseboating all year round. One of the biggest secrets is May to September (our winter) – warm sunny days and nights perfect for a bonfire on the riverbank. HBA: What are the most popular recreation trends you have noticed this season? B: There is a continuation of the usual high use during our summer (Dec – March), which I find odd because it is reasonably hot and somewhat busy on the river HBA: Did you see more or less visitors this year than average? B: Slightly less, due to the drought misconceptions floating around. This has applied to the entire industry. Our forward bookings are as strong as ever, so I think we may have turned the corner on that issue. HBA: Would you describe the season as excellent, good, fair or poor and why? B: We have, in reality, had an excellent year. Last year we purchased our own land in Mannum and created our own mooring, enabling us to employ our own staff rather than use a common marina. This has seen our operation evolve significantly, particularly with client service. HBA: Would you describe your weather and water conditions for the year as excellent, good, fair or poor? B: The weather on the river is brilliant all year. You might get the odd windy day, or the odd rain day, but other than that, expect hot Australian summers, and warm winters. Sometimes the winter days are cold, so you let the glass roof warm the boat up, along with the gas log fire. Perfect with a freshly brewed coffee from the Boatels coffee machine. HBA: What percentages of your customers get information or begin their rental process with you online? )6B@" A05("%C&5AB9&@ B: When we started 5 years ago it was around 5%. Now it is around 90%. HBA: What is the average age of your customers? Has this trend gotten younger or older over the past four years? B: We don’t really have a trend happening, but if I were to pick a demographic, I would say 35 to 50. HBA: What has surprised you the most about the houseboating rental industry? B: That other operators are happy to make a multitude of seriously false and misleading statements about their vessels to try and compete with us. Quite surprising, because our quality and price structure definitely doesn’t compete with them. We have been working diligently at stamping it out, because we firmly believe it is a bad practice that impacts on the entire industry. HBA: Do you anticipate expanding your Boatel fleet? B: Maybe, maybe not. We are expanding our concept of providing the finest quality accommodation though. We are currently embarking on a very small 3 couples only true beachfront hotel. HBA: What is the biggest challenge you face as Boatel’s operator? B: Boatel is a very enjoyable business. We exceed most guests expectations, and all guests, at the end of their cruise, tell us that our website isn’t even close to explaining how fantastic the vessel is – which we kind of like. If I was to choose one, our greatest challenge is convincing people who want quality accommodation that we are not what their mind pictures a houseboat to be. END> Left Page: The staircase leading to the master suites flows with the interior of the boat and is visually stunning.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Houseboating Adventures - Issue 18

Houseboating Adventures - Issue 18 Editor's Desk Desert Ritual River Dream Boatel 2007 Top Houseboating Accessories 2007 Impact Design of the Year 2007 Comeback Company of the Year Florida A-Z The Perfect Florida Houseboat Under Thirty Feet? Adventure Guide

Houseboating Adventures - Issue 18

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