Latest news with #BrittanyFerries
ITV News
13-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Minister urges Jersey's tourism sector to modernise following 'disappointing' visitor figures
Jersey must modernise its tourism sector to bring back visitors, that is the stark warning from the island's Sustainable Economic Development Minister. Deputy Kirsten Morel believes the industry is going through a changeover period - the latest official statistics for the first three months of this year show the number of travellers arriving through Elizabeth Harbour dropped by nearly a third, while air passenger levels were stagnant. He explains: "Flat air figures are disappointing as we were hoping to see increases. On the sea figures, it's not surprising we're seeing a temporary transition as the two ferry companies switched over. "We need a level of modernisation across our industry on attractions, hotels, marketing, across the board. We have the right natural aspects to our heritage which are highly sellable but we do need to modernise the way people interact with them." Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive of Visit Jersey, agrees and wants the island to be bolder in promoting events that can have a wider appeal. She says: "We have some great community events, Battle of Flowers and the Air Show, but they're not big enough reasons for people to visit Jersey. We need to get on that map with some annual events, I think we could take the Jersey Marathon on the road internationally and we could own a really exciting food festival. "We are down compared to where we would like to be. When you look at other destinations that rely a lot on the UK market, Ireland is 9% down from UK visitors and that's a big market for them, so this is not a lone position for Jersey. "We have other issues around airlines, ferries, transition etc but the market is tough out there, it's really competitive." Deputy Morel adds that more recent sea passenger numbers appear to have recovered since the changeover from Brittany Ferries to DFDS was completed in late March, while he has had discussions with the airline Blue Islands about their recent delays and cancellations. He says: "We want air transport that we can rely on, that passengers feel will leave and arrive on time and won't be cancelled. What we've seen in the past few months has had an impact, I've spoken to the airlines involved and they've assured me that we should see that stop as we go through June. "As we head into the high season, which is the important part, I'm hopeful that we've got the air transport on a steady footing." Tricia also highlights the importance of reliable travel links. She explains: "That transition from Brittany to DFDS has, of course, caused a problem and now we're having to combat that with offers and marketing to readdress the balance going forward." Tricia says there are opportunities to build Jersey as a vibrant destination through private and public funding, with the new owners of the War Tunnels looking to upgrade their facilities and £110 million plans to develop Fort Regent. Deputy Morel adds: "What's really important is people are looking at Jersey and see a buzz here. The proof of that is we have five applications for hotels and self-catering businesses, which include international brands, and that's a huge vote of confidence. "The opportunity's here, we will deliver on that in the medium to long term, what we also need to do is make sure that this year works for our hoteliers. It's been a soft start to the year but one we can definitely build on." The Ports of Jersey has also just signed a new five-year deal with airline Jet2, with direct flights to Paris expected soon.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Successful trial of additional Jersey-Guernsey fast ferry service
A new ferry service between Guernsey and Jersey is still on track to begin next week following successful berthing trials, officials have operator DFDS said it would trial an additional inter-island ferry service to Guernsey from 16 June, running every Monday until the end of trials of the fast ferry, the Tarifa Jet, were a success, said Guernsey's assistant harbour master Simon Committee for Economic Development signed off on the new route to add to the existing Brittany Ferries' sailings between Guernsey and Jersey every Wednesday.
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
DFDS to trial a weekly inter-Channel Islands ferry service
Jersey's ferry operator DFDS is set to trial a weekly inter-island ferry service to additional ferry service between the islands is due to launch on 16 June and run every Monday until the end of two island's governments have clashed over inter-island services after choosing different ferry operators, reducing the travel links between Guernsey and Deputy Neil Inder said the additional crossing alongside services by Britanny Ferries and Islands Unlimited would offer more choice and flexibility for islanders. 'Eagerly anticipated' A weekly inter-island service is already being run by Guernsey's chosen ferry operator, Brittany exclusively foot passenger service is ran daily by ferry firm Islands Unlimited. Berthing trials for the Danish firm's Tarifa Jet are set to take place in Guernsey's St Peter Port Harbour on Thursday. "The Committee for Economic Development has signed off on this new inter-island route to complement the existing Wednesday service currently provided by Brittany Ferries," said Inder. "Alongside the investment into Islands Unlimited, which is now running an interisland passenger ferry, this increased scheduling will offer more choice and allow greater flexibility for islanders travelling between Guernsey and Jersey." DFDS said launching the inter-island crossing was part of its commitment to serve the Jersey community. Route director for Jersey at DFDS Chris Parker said the company was excited to launch the "eagerly anticipated sailings to Guernsey"."We have worked closely with businesses and the tourism industry on our provision of inter-island services, in addition to our Poole, Portsmouth and St Malo routes," he said.
ITV News
11-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
DFDS to run Monday ferry service between Jersey and Guernsey on summer trial
Ferry operator DFDS will start a seasonal weekly service between Jersey and Guernsey to increase inter-island travel options. The summer trial, running on Mondays from 16 June until the end of August, is priced from £40 for a return trip as a foot passenger, with the choice to also travel by bike, car or larger vehicle. The 90-minute crossings will see the Tarifa Jet depart Jersey between 9:20am and 2:20pm, depending on the date, with a short turnaround time in Guernsey before returning. Route Director for Jersey at DFDS, Chris Parker, thanked residents for their patience and hopes these extra sailings will give travellers greater choice, supplementing the existing inter-island sailings by other providers such as Brittany Ferries and Islands Unlimited. He says: "We're excited to be able to launch these eagerly anticipated sailings to Guernsey, providing connectivity for islanders. "We have worked closely with businesses and the tourism industry on our provision of inter-island services, in addition to our Poole, Portsmouth and St Malo routes." DFDS adds that some existing Jersey-St Malo sailings will be affected by the schedule changes, with passengers on those services being contacted to sort out alternative travel. Berthing trials for the Tarifa Jet will take place at Guernsey's St Peter Port Harbour on Thursday 12 June.
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Irish Independent
‘Leaving a pet behind can be lonely' – Irish Ferries adds new ‘pet dens' to Irish Sea routes
The dens vary in size, but on average can be used by 15 to 18 pets ('dogs, cats, and even ferrets') and their owners, it says, providing 'elevated comfort and style in dedicated spacious lounges". Access does not incur an extra fee, and includes seating and tables equipped with leash hooks, water dispensers and a snacks and beverages lounge service. There is also access to dedicated outdoor deck walkway areas, including an area with artificial grass and posts. Fares on Irish Sea routes for an adult, two children and a pet travelling with a car on Irish Ferries start from €136 in June, and from €155 in July. The pet dens are available on sailings between Dublin and Holyhead on the James Joyce from June 21, and Ulysses from July 1 – but can be pre-booked now. They are also now available on the Isle of Innisfree between Rosslare and Pembroke, and the Isle of Inishmore and Oscar Wilde between Dover and Calais. The Dublin Swift does not have a dedicated pet lounge. "We know from our research that leaving a pet behind can be lonely for both the pet and their owners, with boarding kennels often adding hugely to the cost of a holiday,' said Nora Costello, consumer marketing and sales director with Irish Ferries. It comes as interest in pet-friendly sailings continues to grow – Brittany Ferries has added pet-friendly cabins and promenade areas and last year, Stena Line recorded 78,000 'pet crossings' on the Irish Sea (Irish Ferries was unable to provide its 2024 figure). Stena has also added pet-friendly cabins on ships, and a pet lounge onboard Stena Superfast (from Cairnryan to Belfast). Pets can be left in cars or kennels onboard certain ferries, too - passengers should check in advance what is available with particular companies and ships. In Irish Ferries case, for example, the James Joyce offers pet-friendly cabins for booking, while its Isle of Inisheer (sailing between Dublin and Cherbourg) has pet-friendly cabins with access to an outside area. Pet kennels with set visiting times are available on the W.B. Yeats. "Passengers should also familiarise themselves with pet passport and government regulations applying to pet travel and to ensure that all documentation, anti-parasitic treatments, micro-chipping and any requisite inoculations are in place, and terms and conditions for travel are met," the company adds.
