Ash Cloud and strikes wave forward 15% bookings increase for DFDS Seaways 

As airport strikes loom, DFDS Seaways has announced a 15% increase in UK bookings, pointing to a buoyant market for sea travel.

The figures released today, show that since the volcanic ash cloud hit in April, bookings are 15% higher than the same period last year on the DFDS Seaways’ Newcastle to Holland and Harwich to Denmark routes. 

DFDS Seaways expects to announce a further increase in bookings if the strike action by airport workers goes ahead over the Bank Holiday weekend.

John Crummie, UK Managing Director of DFDS Seaways says: “Since the volcanic ash cloud in April we have seen a significant increase in bookings, particularly in the number of people taking their vehicles for a summer holiday in Europe.

“Consumers are increasingly discovering the fact that sea travel is convenient, stress-free and value-for-money. This is especially evident for families – we are already seeing an increasing trend for family bookings in October half term, with bookings over 20% higher than the same period last year.

“With strikes threatened, people want to avoid the uncertainty of flying and we are expecting a further increase in demand over the busy August Bank Holiday period.”

At the height of the volcanic ash cloud disruption, DFDS Seaways saw a 200% increase in calls to its call centre, a 311% increase in web visits and a 213% increase in bookings, with crossings to and from Holland and Denmark fully booked.

The company, which has recently acquired Norfolkline, is one of Europe’s largest ferry companies and operates both consumer and freight routes from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Lithuania.

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Issued on behalf of DFDS Seaways by Robson Brown

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Kirsty McNaught on 0191 244 6637/ 07855720343 (Kirsty.mcnaught@robson-brown.co.uk)
 
Vicky Neill on 0191 244 6653 (Vicky.neill@robson-brown.co.uk)
 
Sally Pearson on 0191 244 6656/ 0798066402 (sally.pearson@robson-brown.co.uk)