New PSA chair to focus on growing ferry sales through trade

Travel agents are missing out by not selling ferry holidays, the new chairman of the Passenger Shipping Association has said.

Stena Line commercial manager for travel Lars Olsson, who has taken over the role of president from Cunard managing director Carol Marlow, said his focus would be on alerting agents to the benefits of selling ferries.

"Agents are selling cruise incredibly well but are missing a trick on ferries. We still need to get the message across that flying is not the only option."

The ferry industry has shown growth in the last year, for the first time since 1998. Companies such as P&O Ferries, Stena Line and Wightlink, are investing in modern new ferries.

"People are starting to realise that ferries are not the same as they were years ago. They are frustrated with airport security and delays and seeing ferries as a tremendous option," he added.