Expansion of the Czorsztynianka fleet with the support of public funds
We carried out a comprehensive process of obtaining funding and settling a project to expand the fleet for a leading cruise operator on Lake Czorsztyńskie. The project involved purchasing modern passenger catamarans, which allowed for increased revenue and the introduction of a premium service standard.
Czorsztynianka – a tourism leader in the Pieniny
Czorsztynianka is a strategic point on the tourism map of the Pieniny, operating in the immediate vicinity of the castles in Niedzica and Czorsztyn. The company manages a fleet of passenger and charter vessels, serving both individual tourists and organised groups.
The company also handles non-linear orders, i.e. it organises business meetings. In the face of growing demand for sightseeing cruises of an elevated standard, the existing fleet needed to be supplemented with vessels offering greater stability, a larger deck area and a modern design that attracts customers.
The entry barrier and the risk of seasonality
The main problem when expanding a tourist fleet is the high unit cost of modern catamarans.
The need for a 100% own contribution generates fixed monthly costs that are especially painful outside the summer season (i.e. October–April), when the vessels do not earn and the installments still have to be paid.
An additional challenge was the need to prepare an application proving the positive impact of the investment on the local labor market and on environmental protection, which is crucial when obtaining funds in legally protected regions (in the Pieniny National Park).
Modern tourism in harmony with ecology
I designed a funding acquisition strategy based on modernizing the region's tourism offering and promoting ecology. The challenge remained finding a programme supporting innovation in the SME sector and sustainable tourism, preparing the application and settling it. of the substantive content of the application.
Frozen working capital
Covering the purchase of modern vessels 100% from own funds would require freezing a significant part of working capital, which would limit the company's ability to grow in other areas.
High financing costs
The high cost of external financing (leasing, credit) combined with the seasonality of revenue would generate a risk of losing financial liquidity in the off-season.
Technical challenges
Czorsztynianka pointed to difficulties in finding vessels that meet high displacement and ecological standards, formal requirements and the aesthetic expectations of premium-class customers.
Formal difficulties
Preparing and submitting the funding application required meeting rigorous legal and formal requirements, including preparing a professional feasibility study and precise financial forecasts.
Obtaining public funds and preparing the company's development strategy
We guided Czorsztynianka through the entire investment process – from strategy, through execution, to settlement.
We found and verified a contractor-manufacturer of catamarans meeting the quality and environmental requirements, prepared the complete application documentation and helped submit the funding application.
We then oversaw production, acceptance and launching of the vessels, and after the investment was completed we still support the client with all formalities and project settlements.
Project timeline
The process was carried out comprehensively, from an audit of possibilities, through supervision of vessel production and their acceptance, to the final financial settlement of the grant. The total time was approx. 12 months (from application to settlement).
Audit and eligibility analysis
A thorough verification of the company's status and selection of the programme with the highest probability of success.
Preparing the application documentation
Preparing the application, a detailed business plan and the technical justification for the choice of fleet.
Supervising the evaluation procedure
Ongoing communication with the funding institution, clarifying substantive matters and defending the budget.
Coordinating purchases and acceptance
Supervising the purchasing process, verifying documentation from catamaran manufacturers and technical acceptance.
Settling the project
Preparing the settlement documentation, verifying invoices and accounting documents, and preparing the final report.
Market advantage and profit without burden
Projected ROI
According to conservative forecasts, the investment should pay off within 2 years and generate net profits in subsequent years.
Revenue increase
This is a completely new revenue segment with no competition in the region. The ability to professionally serve business and event groups, and to expand the offering for individual tourists.
Value of capital obtained for investments in fixed assets
The client obtained funds to purchase modern catamarans, which allowed for increased revenue and the introduction of a premium standard in customer service.
Percentage of funding
The funding allowed the company to grow dynamically without incurring significant external financing costs or limiting financial liquidity.
The investment in catamarans fundamentally changed Czorsztynianka's market position. The company ceased to be merely a carrier and became a professional event partner. Owning the fleet outright allows for a flexible pricing policy and building financial reserves for further growth.
The experts at Tesserakt prepared an application in which they presented my solution as low-emission, quiet and safe for the reservoir's ecosystem, which allowed me to obtain an almost maximum score in the substantive evaluation of the application. The funds obtained allowed us to invest in equipment that today sets quality standards on Lake Czorsztyńskie.
Gallery
See the catamarans that, thanks to us, sail in the „Czorsztynianka” fleet today!
Presentation of the electric catamarans
Get in touch
If you would like to contact us, use the form below. You can also email us directly at [email protected].
Let's talk
We would love to get to know you and your company. Write to us and we will talk and help identify growth areas for your business, and propose practical solutions for it.
