Boatsy has released data forecasting trends for 2025 and beyond, revealing that consumer demand for boat rentals is expected to continue growing and compete with traditional hotel-based holidays in terms of affordability.
Unlike conventional boat rental businesses, Boatsy is not only a marketplace but an integrated platform that ensures the right boat and crew is reserved for the desired itinerary, which in turn helps to avoid additional fees, longer-than-expected sailtimes and other surprises. Boatsy provides counsel, helping travellers choose from one of 100 of the world’s best sailing routes, and helping with concierge services once in-destination too, such as booking restaurants and experiences.
Managing Director, Alp Öcal, said: “The data uncovered is a clear indication of the cruising and yachting industry’s growing appeal. With an overwhelming value proposition that is too good to ignore, it’s clear that more consumers are considering a holiday at sea than ever before. At Boatsy, we’re committed to providing consumers with ultimate autonomy and flexibility to curate their perfect escape.”
Compiling insights from 2024 reservations and enquiries, Boatsy identified anticipated trends for 2025, including the competition between premium all-inclusive holidays and sailing holidays, and the potential for industry growth due to the strong boat supply pipeline.
Affordability of sailing holidays vs. luxury hotel stays
Sailing holidays are becoming more competitive to hotel-based holidays, with 18-34% more affordable prices (on average for 8 people, compared to mainland and island hotel stays in the Mediterranean for the 2025 summer season). ¹
Boat supply growth is predicted to outpace hotel supply growth
In addition to a sharp rise in hotel price in comparison to sailing prices, boat supply growth² is expected to outpace hotel supply growth³ by 2030, subsequently fuelling even further competitiveness for sailing holidays when paired with its affordability (c. 5% CAGR vs. c. 2% CAGR respectively).
Growth of experiential-based travel
The online boat rental market is now forecast to grow faster than the luxury hotel market, due to shifts in consumer behaviour and preferences for experiential-based travel for European consumers. In 2022-2023, the growth of the cruising market (14%) outpaced the luxury hotel market growth (4%).
This significant shift in market share demonstrates the importance of a sailing holiday’s unique value propositions which align with the evolution of traveller preferences.
To plan your next sail, visit boatsy.com.
¹Boat rental cost is assumed to be EUR 12K per week in the region on average for a capacity of 8 people and EUR 9K per 4 people.
² ,³Boat and hotel supply figures are non-US figures. Sources available at Eurostat and Technavio, respectively.
*Online global boat rental market assumed to be as huge as $20bn USD in 2023 and expected to gain 1.5pp share against the global Luxury hotel market that is expected to reach $63bn USD by 2030.
