Condor: passenger numbers are growing again in 2017

Tuesday 09 May 2017

Condor Ferries are predicting that this year's passenger numbers will be much better than last year, after Visit Jersey's Annual Report showed that they had fallen by 14% in 2016.

The ferry operator says that bookings from the UK are already ahead by 19%, 11% from France and 81% for Inter-Island routes. Forward bookings from residents are also said to have increased by 25%.

Paul Luxon, CEO of Condor Ferries commented on the figures, saying: "Our early booking figures for the season indicate increased confidence in sea travel and are extremely encouraging. Visitor numbers are up considerably in comparison with last year."

The statement comes after Visit Jersey's annual report showed that the number of ferry passengers had fallen from 386,421 to 331,536, a 14% decrease, between 2015 and 2016.

Speaking about the decrease, Mr Luxon said: "The decline in visitors travelling by sea is of course disappointing and likely to be linked to several factors including changes to our schedule and timing of maintenance year on year. In 2016, both high speed ferries were out of service for dry dock whereas only one docked in calendar 2015."

He also reassured islanders that the company is working alongside Visit Jersey to get more people on the Island. "We are committed to keeping our islands connected and continue to work closely with Visit Jersey. This year alone we have spent over £1 million in promoting the islands in the UK and France including running joint digital campaigns with Visit Jersey. We are fully engaged with the plans to increase visitor numbers to Jersey to one million by 2030."