DFDS Seaways records growth
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The past twelve months may have been tough for the majority of the UK travel industry but leading cruise ferry operator, DFDS Seaways’, has sailed successfully through the stormy seas and recorded steady growth on its route between Harwich and Esbjerg, Denmark. Sailing several times a week, DFDS Seaways’ service has provided a vital link for tourism and business on both sides of the North Sea, and in 2009 recorded a steady growth of 9%, with passenger volumes hitting 93,000. In particular the route has had significant impact on visitor numbers in to the East Anglian region and beyond. Within the last 12 months this sector has increased by 12%. DFDS Seaways UK Managing Director John Crummie attributes the increase to Northern European tourists capitalizing on the weak pound, commenting: “The stronger Euro has meant that England has become better value for money, and we have certainly seen a rise in the short break business from Scandinavia , which is undoubtedly being driven by the favourable exchange rate.”Passengers travelling across from Denmark and beyond for longer holidays have also increased throughout 2009, with an extra 15% travelling with their vehicles. John Crummie added: “Holidays in England have become extremely good value, and we have seen an increase in passengers travelling across with their vehicles, demonstrating that the route not only brings tourists in to the immediate area, but opens up the whole of the South East and England to tourists.”Passengers travelling out of the UK, on short cruise break, self catering or touring holiday grew by 6%. confirming the attractiveness of Scandinavia as an appealing destination for adults and families.John Crummie attributes this uplift to British passengers opting for self drive holidays and becoming increasingly disillusioned with low cost airlines and baggage restrictions, commenting: “Travelling by sea is a far more relaxing than the experience that many of us have had of travelling through airports. You can simply pack up the car with everything you need and drive onboard. Travellers have also become wise to the no frills airlines that were once the option for bargain travel now having expensive “add ons” and are becoming more reluctant to book. “The Harwich to Esbjerg route has always been a gateway in to Northern Europe but in 2009 more than ever our passengers were opting to sail to Europe on a driving holiday, rather than taking an airbased package. In difficult economic climates travellers are looking for value for money, in both experience and price.”Crummie concluded: “2009 has been a turbulent year for the travel industry but I am pleased that we are bucking the trend and capitalizing on the current economic climate. We have seen steady growth on the Harwich to Esbjerg route, helped by both the strong Euro and the British traveller becoming increasingly disillusioned by low cost airlines. As we move through the early part of 2010 we are confident that we can continue to build on this success.”DFDS Seaways success was recognised by the travel industry when the company was awarded Europe’s Leading Long Sea Ferry Operator 2009 at the World Travel Awards, the industry’s “Oscars”. Winning the award for the third consecutive year confirmed DFDS Seaways place at the forefront of the industry. ENDS
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