Jess Parker’s Boat and Breakfast Sets Sail on Kickstarter

For more than 10 years Jess Parker has specialized in travel public relations and marketing. Now she’s about to set sail with her biggest challenge yet – a Kickstarter campaign to launch a boat!

Jess has been apart of Travel Massive New York City for more than four years and is our North America co-ordinator. Jess shared with us the plans for her latest adventure – a Kickstarter campaign for a floating bed and breakfast.

What made you want to buy a Dutch barge?

I was inspired by my aunt and uncle who bought a Dutch barge in the 80s to live on the canals of Europe for two years, floating through the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany.

Ever since they shared their story, it stuck with me.

I hoped that one day that I could be so bold to pursue that dream for myself. However, I had my sights set on creating an experience that I could share with many others like a Boat & Breakfast and cater to events, which is a passion of mine.

Then in November 2017, I found my dream boat: a renovated Dutch barge built in 1929 with four cabins (sleeps 8), three bathrooms, spacious lounge area with a full bar, large sun deck space for entertaining, and a Jacuzzi.

The boat measures 125 ft x 17 ft, and will remain stationary at the marina in Strasbourg, France, except for private tours with a seasoned captain!

What motivated you to create a kickstarter? What are your campaign goals?

Since it is in a foreign country, will soon be moved to another location, and not be my primary residence, I’m finding it hard to secure a small business loan through a bank.

I want you to know that I’ve tried the traditional route, therefore, I’ve decided to make my own personal cash investment as well as open this Kickstarter to request $100,000 for a project that can ultimately be enjoyed firsthand by anyone pledging $150 or more.

I hope that people really feel invested in this project to contribute, share it, and I can deliver a fairytale vacation, especially to those who’ve dreamed of living on a houseboat one day.

For those who are able to pledge less, there are still rewards that will make you feel a connection to this project and the spirit of barging the canals of Europe.

How big is the market for boating tourism in Europe? What are your commercial goals?

The market for river cruising and canal boat experiences has been on the rise for the past several years. Cruising companies are introducing new ships as fast they can build them to meet the increasing demand.

My intention is to open up ship (boat puns aplenty!) in the enchanting town of Strasbourg, France. The Alsace region draws about 12 million tourists per year with approximately 10 million overnight stays, which proves the strength in investing in a boutique property – not to mention the benefit of being surrounded by lush countryside and wineries.

The barge will have bikes for guests to ride off and visit local wineries or people can explore the area, or pop over to the neighboring country Germany or Switzerland.

What tips do you have for setting up a Kickstarter for a tourism project?

Make sure you plan ahead.
Give yourself time to craft your story – the “why” and run it past as many close friends and confidants that you can.
Gather up your contacts and people that can help champion your campaign to their network or audience if you can reach out to with relevant media.
Set your goal amount to something you feel you can hit. It’s all or nothing on Kickstarter.
Also, I compared with other hotels that were on Kickstarter and campaigns in the same category.

How can the Travel Massive community get behind your project or get involved?

The Travel Massive community can be among the first guests by contributing to the campaign and be apart of the boat crew!

Even sharing the Kickstarter campaign among friends, family or your audience helps reach the goal. There’s a month remaining so with your help….

… I hope you’ll float this boat! – Jess

Follow Jess on Travel Massive. Interested in supporting her? Check out her Kickstarter campaign – My Humble Aboat.