ONE of York's most buoyant tourist attractions is winning business over the Internet by providing customers with an on-line ticket-buying service.
YorkBoat has received help from Business Link North Yorkshire to set up the e-commerce system, which will allow visitors anywhere in the world to log on to the YorkBoat website and buy the tickets in advance at discount prices.
YorkBoat operates a range of river cruises on the River Ouse and carries more than 200,000 passengers a year.
The business called on the help of Business Link North Yorkshire's communications and technology advisor, Martin Walsh, to help it develop its e-commerce systems.
YorkBoat's marketing assistant, Sarah Porteus, said: "Martin helped us consider the wider issues of e-commerce and refine our ideas on what we wanted to achieve.
"It was very useful to talk to someone with IT knowledge who was able to give impartial advice."
The e-commerce system has a secure order form and a facility for customers to pay by any credit or debit card.
Tickets are valid to the end of the season and are dispatched the same day to save visitors queuing on the quayside.
John and Denise Howard bought the business, formerly known as White Rose Line, in 1989, when it had just two boats.
Now, the operation has six large passenger boats, 13 self-drive motor boats, 18 permanent staff and 40 seasonal workers.
Mr Walsh said: "YorkBoat is at the forefront of North Yorkshire tourist attractions in adopting e-commerce and I am pleased to say it is already beginning to pay dividends."
The YorkBoat website can be found at www.yorkboat.co.uk
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