Uber expands boat services across Europe to capture tourist demand

(Reuters) – Uber Technologies (NYSE:) said on Monday it will bring a yacht service to Ibiza and will introduce different water-transport offerings to other European cities in an effort to address the robust demand stemming from tourism in the continent.

The service named “Uber Yacht” will be available to pre-book on the Spanish island of Ibiza from July 26, and will be made available in August.

Starting in July, Uber will also launch a “limo boat” service in Venice, Italy, the ride-hailing platform said. The service will allow customers to travel around the Venetian Lagoon.

According to Uber, data from the summer of 2023 shows demand from international customers for Uber’s mobility services increased by about 55% last year in places such as Greece and Spain.

“Uber Boat” in Greece will expand from Mykonos, where it was lauched last year, to Athens, Corfu and Santorini and will let visitors travel to beach clubs and reach remote locales, the company said.

In May, Uber had also unveiled a tie-up to offer cruises on the Seine River in a bid to meet explosive demand stemming from the upcoming Olympics in Paris.