HOVERSPEED has expanded its retail operation to make up a 400,000-passenger shortfall since the abolition of duty-free on July 1 last year.
The fast-ferry operator has rebranded its Grape Shop wine outlets as Hover stores and increased the range of goods for sale to include selection of beer and cigarettes. This month it launched a home-delivery service for passengers bulk-buying wine and beer in France.
Spokesman Kevin Charles said:”Home delivery adds value to the retail offer and marks us out from the competition.”
He confirmed that revenue had suffered from the abolition of duty-free, leading to an average £50 increase in brochured fares. A second factor that affected the bottom line was bad weather at the end of last year which led to the cancellation of sailings.
To help recoup lost income, Hoverspeed has opened a premium-class lounge for 1st passengers, with free drinks, newspapers and snacks at its Dover Hoverport and aims to have similar facilities in Calais and Ostend by early summer.
It has also expanded the number of 1st seats on one of its two hovercraft from 14 to 54. The second craft is being refitted and will be in service at the end of March.
“We are targeting passengers who want higher levels of service,” said Charles. “1st is not for business people, but anyone who wants a higher class of service and there is a willingness to upgrade.”
Passengers in 1st class pay an £8 one-way premium on the Dover-Calais and Folkestone-Boulogne services, £15 on the Dover-Ostend route and £20 on Newhaven-Dieppe.
The price includes use of the lounge, priority loading and unloading, separate seating and refreshments on board, including meals on the two longer routes.
Inclusive 1st fares are shown in the brochure for the first time, rather than as supplements, and they are commissionable to agents. “The increase in fares makes ferry travel more important to the trade,” said Charles. “Now they can earn more in commission.”