Perth Courier
September 21, 2017
Ontario is supporting Le Boat, a leading European travel company, to help establish its first North American cruise rental location in Smiths Falls and create 10 new jobs in the region.
Le Boat is Europe’s largest self-drive boating vacation company, currently operating across eight different European countries, with a head office in the UK. More than 102,000 people vacationed with Le Boat last year.
“Le Boat choosing Ontario for its first North American location is a clear sign of confidence in the opportunities our provinces offers for businesses to expand and grow their markets. Our partnership is helping the company create exciting new economic opportunities in Smiths Falls and boosting the tourism sector in eastern Ontario,” said Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business.
With support from the province through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, Tourism Development Fund and the Tourism Industry Partners Program, the company is opening its North American headquarters and an operations base in Smiths Falls. Le Boat will offer tourists a unique European-style, self-hire boating service on the Rideau Canal. This new base is expected to boost the region’s tourism industry.
“We welcome Le Boat to Ontario. Their operation will not only boost the local economy and support jobs, it will also give visitors a unique tourism experience and a new way to discover the Rideau Canal and its picturesque surroundings,” said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Investing in eastern Ontario businesses is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
“Thanks to the support of the Ontario government, we are establishing our first North American headquarters in Smiths Falls. We look forward to operating our premier range of self-driving boats on the Rideau Canal and providing an unforgettable experience to residents and visitors. Le Boat offers a truly unique way to travel, with our boats acting as a purpose built ‘condo on the water’ for people with no boating experience and no boating licence,” Cheryl Brown, managing director, Le Boat.