CONDOR Ferries has reported a significant boom in summer business as it welcomed thousands more visitors to its port in Poole.
The ferry operator has seen car passenger numbers increase by around a quarter compared to pre-pandemic levels for its services from Poole to the Channel Islands.
During the peak travel period from July to September 20 this year, Condor Ferries reportedly carried 4,700 more cars to the Channel Islands on its high-speed services from the New Harbour Road South ferry terminal.
This represents around a 25 per cent uplift in car passengers compared to the equivalent three months in 2019 – bringing an additional 11,750 visitors to the islands. Travellers are also staying longer than previously.
Condor partly attributes the uplift to the trend for self-drive trips, as travellers look to avoid rising car rental costs and flight-free escapes closer to home.
To meet increasing demand, the operator has increased capacity and scheduled additional sailings for 2023. Further demand is expected next July when Guernsey hosts the NatWest International Island Games.
This year, the company offered more direct sailings from the UK, which increased capacity during peak travel periods such as weekends.
John Napton, CEO at Condor Ferries, said: “This year, we extended the 2019 schedule to offer more direct and weekend sailings, which has contributed to a successful summer season. This is especially good news for the Channel Islands’ tourism and hospitality industries, helping them to bounce back after the pandemic.
“2022’s passenger numbers together with current travel trends make us very optimistic for 2023. Increasing capacity during peak times ensures we can meet demand and offer passengers a choice of sailings.
“After a summer of airport chaos and flight cancellations and rising travel costs, more people seek the convenience and value ferry holidays offer. They are also looking for destinations that are easy to reach and not too far from home - the Channel Islands offer all this, warmer weather and so much more. We advise passengers to book 2023 sailings early to secure the crossings that best suit their plans.”
Visit condorferries.co.uk/ferry-routes-ports/plan-your-journey/timetables for more information.
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