Ferry operators claim bookings have more than doubled since the government’s Covid exit roadmap was revealed.
The announcement on February 22 led to a surge in interest for breaks closer to home, with firms reporting an average increase of 116% in summer bookings, according to trade body Discover Ferries.
The interest across UK passenger routes comes while non-essential foreign travel remains banned by the government until at least May 17.
Discover Ferries director Abby Penlington said: “The government’s roadmap to ease Covid restrictions has encouraged excited holidaymakers to start planning their next trips, which has given operators a much-needed boost.
“Due to uncertainty over travelling further afield, it makes sense that consumers are looking to stay closer to home and considering trips in the British Isles and neighbouring European countries that are progressing well with their own vaccination programmes.”
She added: “By no means does staying locally mean that travellers need to miss out on exotic experiences, as there are plenty of extraordinary locations within reach of our shores.”
The organisation pointed to destinations such as the Scilly Isles (pictured), Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Scottish islands and Northern Ireland.