| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 65 |
| Copyright: Other |
Ferries
Operators rise above losses to stay afloat
Fighting end of duty-free
Short-sea crossingsABOUT seven million cars a year are carried to France on the short-sea routes – using either the Dover-Calais or the Folkestone-Boulogne ferry services. The Channel Tunnel crossing from Folkestone to Coquelles/Calais is the only other short-sea crossing.
As a result, these are the most competitive routes from the UK to France and the places where clients can still pick up bargains, even though fares have been rising since the abolition of duty-free in July last year. The profits made on duty-free were used to compensate for the low ticket prices designed to encourage volume sales, and some companies saw their income fall when it ended.
But they have fought back. Goods are just as cheap as in the duty-free days because they are sold at French prices.
Ferry operators are also luring passengers by offering good food and the chance to relax in a premium club lounge.
Operators in the short-sea market have also built up their timetables to make sure that no passenger, whether they choose rail, fast ferry or roll-on, roll-off ship, has to wait very long to get to France. Now there are new, bigger ro-ro ferries being built to offer a faster crossing but still providing time to do some on-board shopping.
Other routes
ONE of the strongest trends in the ferry market recently has been the advent of fast ferries.
Fast ferries are operated on most routes from the UK to mainland Europe or Ireland.
In some cases they operate alone; in others, a traditional ferry is still offered to cater for passengers who have a long drive to the port and appreciate the chance to rest. The ro-ro ferry is also a useful back-up in case of bad weather when the faster craft cannot leave port.
But there is still a place for the 24-hour-plus crossings for people who want to take their car to Europe. Some offer mini breaks, where passengers have a few hours in port before returning to the UK. Themed mini breaks are also available.
Best English Channel Short-Sea Operator
Vote for the best operator on the English Channel UK/France routes. Ferry and tunnel operators are eligible. This category is only for those who provide services from Dover, Folkestone and New Haven.
Making a deal:goods that were once duty-free are now sold at French prices
Best Ferry Operator
Vote for the best ferry operator – exceptthose serving Dover, Folkestone or Newhaven to France. The category is open to all other ferry operators.
Selling tips
n Encourage clients on a budget to take an early morning or late-night departure as these cost less than peak-time travel.
n Mid-week travel is less busy, so there are fewer queues, and it is usually cheaper than weekends.
n Earn extra commission by upgrading clients to a premium-class service. It gives clients priority loading and unloading, free drinks, snacks and newspapers.
n Remember that the on-board experience has changed enormously over the past decade. Some operators have top chefs creating their menus.
n Long cruises offer free entertainment so there is less chance of getting bored. If you’re booking a family, make sure children’s entertainment is provided.