The role of Bohuslän province as the largest and most popular bathing place for Swedes is well known. And Marstrand harbour is a significant example of the sometimes turbulent life in the guest harbour. Now awaits a new season in which holidaymakers and sailors will enjoy these blessed days, i.e. the few days one can partake in boat life with family and friends. Everyone knows that the harbours of Bohuslän are really crowded during July, and the boats just get larger and larger. Many harbour masters also worry about the onrush and for safety.

Boat life can be an enriching experience – if everyone makes an effort.

Västsvenska Turistrådet (the West Swedish Tourist Board), that is the Västra Götaland regional tourist company, operates the Båt & Hav (Boat and Sea) project, that among other things aims to raise the quality of service in its guest harbours.

According to several studies and questionnaire surveys that have been carried out In West Sweden, boat life is the most underdeveloped tourist segment. Overcrowding, safety and the level of service in natural and guest harbours face strong criticism from many directions. And quite rightly too.

“Many of us have experienced good service, fresh facilities and good hosting in West coast harbours,” says Anders Svedberg, the Båt & Hav Project Manager. “And we know through the questionnaires and other sources that boat owners are prepared to pay more to obtain really good service and quality.”

Well-invested Swedish crowns

“For each Swedish crown that we can get boat owners to pay for better service, safe and secure harbours and memorable experiences we create new employment in West Sweden,” Anders continues. “The potential is there, as are planned measures that can turn boat tourism development into a profitable business and an experience of high quality management. However, this needs an altered view of the marina business from its owners and representatives.”

“Guest harbours are not, for example, parking places but commercial accommodation where the guests should be able to expect the same type of service that is offered to guests who are camping, in hostels or hotels.”

“We can see two clear trends: One concerns boat people, who really want to have a summer house but see a boat in which they can sleep in a well-run marina as a reasonable alternative.”

“The other concerns those who think that the archipelago has become far too crowded and therefore satisfy themselves with day trips, spending nights in their home ports instead.”

“Both trends can be compared with seasonal camping places and naturally will mean new challenges for marinas in the future”, concludes Anders Svedberg of Västsvenska Turistrådet.