March 26, 2002 After a year in 2001 which saw tourism from the Continent to the UK blighted by the effects of the foot and mouth epidemic, there are now positive signs that the inbound market is once again on the move. Due to the independent efforts of high speed car ferry operator Hoverspeed, the company is reporting a 40% increase in bookings from the Continent on its main cross channel route from Calais to Dover, compared to the same period last year. Over 20,000 cars are already booked in bound over the coming weeks compared to 14,000 in 2001. With the busy Easter Holiday period starting this week, in bound bookings for Hoverspeed services have also been showing weekly increases of over 30% - representing over 2,000 cars. Whilst in bound business shows clear signs of recovery, Hoverspeed is also reporting significant growth in its cross channel business from the UK to the Continent. Forward bookings over the Spring Holiday periods are 35% up with over 100,000 cars booked, compared to around 74,000 during the same period last year. "Growing demand to travel with Hoverspeed reflects the customer perception that we offer a unique combination of speed, style and service," says Hoverspeed's Managing Director, Geoffrey Ede. "We continue to innovate and our airline philosophy is clearly evident with the introduction of a new at-seat service of food and drinks and UK Tax Free shopping on board for all passengers." Hoverspeed is increasing frequency between Dover and Calais this season with up to 15 return sailings daily from 0600. With its combined fleet of Seacats and Superseacat returning from winter refits, the company's choice of routes also sees the re-opening this week of the Newhaven - Dieppe and Dover - Ostend services.Press Release Media contact: Nick Stevens, Public Relations Manager Telephone: (01304) 865170 |