Member Article

DFDS Seaways announces record breaking year

Despite 2010 being a challenging year for the travel industry, DFDS Seaways has recorded a 4.3% increase in passenger numbers between Newcastle and Amsterdam compared with 2009.

In total 555,000 passengers travelled on the route in 2010.

This is the second consecutive year of record breaking passenger volume growth which has benefited from some freak weather conditions including the volcanic ash cloud which disrupted air travel in April and snow and ice which severely delayed flights in December.

However the increase in passenger numbers was sustained over the year and not confined to these months when air travel was restricted.

John Crummie, Passenger Director for DFDS Seaways comments: “We have seen an increasing trend over the last few years as more and more people are choosing to travel by sea.

“The ease, flexibility and convenience are second to none, luggage is unrestricted and importantly sea travel offers excellent value for money. It’s easy for customers to pack up the car with everything they need, and head off to Europe.”

“2010 was an exceptional year in terms of unexpected travel delays at airports and many passengers, especially families, switched from air to sea travel. We anticipate this trend will continue in 2011.”

Sailing daily in both directions, the DFDS believes it provides a vital link for tourism and business on both sides of the North Sea.

Mr Crummie added: “We have noted an increase in Dutch and German customers who use the route to access the UK, in particular North East England where the tourism offering is high with a mix of vibrant cites, beaches and countryside within easy reach.

“Many also took in shopping trips and enjoyed sporting events across the North East. Given the value offering the North East provides this is a trend we expect to see continuing this year.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .