PRESS RELEASE: Coronavirus sparks rise in superyacht charter enquiries

Sophia Tutino Yachting has revealed that the number of private yacht charter enquiries has increased dramatically following the outbreak of coronavirus across Asia, Europe and America.

The virus, otherwise known as COVID-19, originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since spread across the globe. More than 2,000 people have died in mainland China, with an overall total of 75,000 infections confirmed so far according to government figures. Hundreds of cases have also been reported elsewhere across a further 26 countries.

With the risks posed by the virus – particularly to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions – there has been a shift in holiday habits in the first two months of 2020, with many people showing an interest in the safety and seclusion of private yacht charters ahead of traditional resort holidays.

CHARTERS REPRESENT SAFER HOLIDAY ENVIRONMENTS

Yacht charter expert Sophia Tutino Yachting has reported a sharp rise in the number of enquiries for superyacht charters this year.

This trend has also been observed in the aviation industry: MyJet Asia revealed to the BBC that it has seen an ‘80-90%’ increase in enquiries in the past month. The privacy that these modes of transport provide can lessen exposure to COVID-19, which in turn can decreases one’s chances of infection. There are currently no reports of coronavirus aboard any of the world’s superyachts.

Managing director Sophia Tutino said, “Coronavirus can be caught by anyone, regardless of age and background, so the rich are taking it very seriously as they go about their daily lives. There has been a noticeable movement towards the idea of chartering a superyacht, both because it provides an unforgettable experience, but also because it drastically decreases the likelihood of catching the virus.

“Yacht chartering provides the perfect opportunity for a secluded getaway, and with many people looking to avoid public spaces, there isn’t a more relaxing and tranquil way to traverse the world than aboard a yacht or superyacht.”

EVERY MEASURE TAKEN FOR PREVENTION

As an additional health and safety measure, Sophia Tutino Yachting ensures up-to-date World Health Organisation (WHO), Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) coronavirus guidelines are adhered to at all times aboard all charters. Crews are screened prior to the start of each charter and stringent top-to-bottom cleaning takes place on a regular basis to reduce the risk of infection.

Tutino noted, “Yacht crews can be screened before hopping aboard any chartered yacht through Sophia Tutino Yachting, which offers our guests complete peace of mind right from the start of their holiday. The chances of catching coronavirus aboard a superyacht chartered through Sophia Tutino Yachting is much less than when staying at a busy hotel, no matter how many stars they have achieved, which is why so many people are choosing to enquire in recent weeks.”

In addition to this, Sophia Tutino Yachting will continuously take advice from government officials and avoid ‘danger routes’ where contamination is considered higher to ensure that all guests have both a pleasurable and safe holiday.

This press release has been featured on Luxurious Magazine, Yachting Pages among a number of other digital and print distributors.