6:15 AM Mon 8 Jun 2009 GMT
 | | 'What better place is there than on the water to enjoy time off work and bonding with family?'
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Maybe the Australian marine industry could tap in to the latest urban trend in the US - 'Staycations', which according to reports on CNN and other popular broadcasters is simply "spending time in your home state and exploring the bounties of your environs". What could better fit the bill than boating?
It's all the rage in the US, with media there devoting plenty of column-inches and air time to heralding the joys of skipping the pricey airfares and headaches of international and national travel to immerse yourself in the simple, local pleasures of home.
And that's where boating fits in neatly.
With gas prices topping US$4 a gallon and air travel costing more as the dollar drops and becoming more of a hassle with security, delays, air scares and crowds, Americans are rediscovering the delights of their lakes, coasts and waterways.
In its annual summer vacation survey, the American Automobile Association said the average North American vacation will cost US$244 per day for two people for lodging and meals. The priciest destination will be Honolulu, where room and food for two adults will average US$673 a day. Add some kids and airfare, and a 10-day vacation could easily top US$10,000.
How brilliant then, on our island nation where most people live within cooee of some body of water, that the boating industry could step into the breach and paint the ideal picture of a holiday option for couples, families, extended families and tourists to Australia - hire, rent or buy a boat and plan your own itinerary around the fascinating destinations our own country has to offer.
Just imagine it: no massive baggage, no airport delays, and no backseat chants of 'Are we there yet?'
If the two biggest pleasures of holidays are taking a break from work and getting in touch with your family, where better to experience both than out on the water?
 | Creating the next generation of competent and passionate boaties. - .. |
And now for the compelling evidence that Aussies are keen to holiday at home:
A recent survey by NRMA Motoring and Services found that more than 70% of people would prefer to holiday in Australia. The good news for tourism operators around the country is that despite the global economic downturn, almost three quarters of the people surveyed said they planned to take a holiday within the next year. Almost two thirds of respondents said they would want to holiday in Australia not only to explore its beauty but also to boost the economy.
Respondents believed Australia was the best destination when it came to value for money, followed by Asia and Pacific destinations.
Other factors impacting on holiday destination decisions included the total cost of holiday; value for money; the security of Australian locations ticking all the boxes.
The survey found that when deciding on a holiday, many people took into consideration the price of petrol with 80 per cent saying it was a factor influencing their decision to take fewer holidays and choose holiday destinations closer to home.
So boating proponents, industry organizations and advocates, advisors, consultants and media, now's the time to strike. Where's the campaign to position boating in all its guises as the ideal "Staycation" for any corner of our island nation?
Drop us a line with your comments and suggestions on whether boating needs a mainstream marketing campaign to support it and what form it should take.
editor@marinebusinessnews.com
by Jeni Bone
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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Macquarie Island, TAS
