Ferry companies 'to see further benefits after airline chaos'

Ferry companies look set to see further benefits from recent problems in the aviation industry, as a lack of confidence in airlines is leading some travellers to change their plans and turn to maritime alternatives, according to research.

Travelsupermarket.com pointed out that 2010 "hasn't been a great year for UK air travel", with winter weather, strikes and the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland causing severe disruptions.

The company polled 1,000 visitors to its website to gauge responses to these events and found that eight per cent have been prompted to travel to their next holiday destination by ferry.

More than a quarter (27 per cent) of respondents said they have changed their plans and are now planning to stay in the UK, a trend that could see more people taking ferries to the Isle of Wight, Northern Ireland and other popular destinations.

Bob Atkinson, a travel expert from the site, said: "With the level of airline industry turbulence customers have experienced over the last six to 12 months, it isn't hard to understand why people are again looking at changing their holiday plans to stay in the UK.

"The range of attractions and things to do within the UK is fantastic, there is something for everyone."

People who decide to stay in the UK for their holidays this year can take ferries from Stranraer to Belfast with Stena Line to explore Northern Ireland or see the Isle of Wight by catching ferries from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Ryde with Wightlink.

Posted by Mark Robinson