SHORT-break specialist Travelscene is attempting to kick-start sluggish sales to Brussels with the launch of a direct coach link from the port of Zeebrugge.
The move follows a poor take-up for the Belgian capital which the operator blamed on poor accessibility by ferry.
Launching its second-edition P&O North Sea Ferries short breaks and motoring holidays brochure, Travelscene sales director John Harding said the service will help to divert foot passengers from Bruges – where the capacity is tight – to Brussels during the shoulder season.
“Brussels has not met our bookings expectations for the programme,” admitted Harding. “We think this is because of the difficulty in getting to the destination quickly rather than the lack of interest.
“The coach will take about an hour to reach Brussels and our hope is that it will make it a much more attractive option for holidaymakers,” he added.
The service is being targeted at the one-night weekend market.
Coaches will meet passengers departing Hull on Friday and arriving Saturday morning, and return them to Zeebrugge for the Sunday evening return crossing.
The transfer will operate between March and May and between September and October.
Harding said agents should help push Brussels – or risk losing Belgian bookings.
“There are real problems in securing accommodation for everyone who wants it during weekends in Bruges and we do not expect this situation to change,” he said.
“There is a good supply of centrally located hotel rooms in Brussels however, and agents should bear this in mind when they are in danger of losing a Belgian booking because Bruges is fully booked.”