Yachting Consumers' Spending Habits
For the first time in yachting history, the number of yachts in the Netherlands' 1,300 marinas has decreased.
The effects are being felt across the yachting industry. WA Yachting Consultants was commissioned to conduct a survey to uncover how berth holders and guests in marinas make consumer choices, to reveal how the industry can better provide for their needs.
The causes for the decrease in number of yachts includes the recession, but also a change in yachting behavior and the aging of the Dutch yachting population. To attract this declining number of yachts, competition between marinas has increased, though the average occupancy of marinas is still quite high at 92.8%. Nevertheless, Dutch marina operators will have to put more effort in quality and service if they would like to distinguish themselves to consumers.
In the survey of almost 800 yachtsmen, berth holders and visitors, participants commented on the quality experienced in the marinas, as well as the area surrounding the marinas and nearby towns. Survey participants also specified how much money they spent shopping, in restaurants and on other activities during their stay (€ 115 per boat per day). The survey also asked questions regarding participants' plans to sell their boat in the near future.