PSA reveals growth in ferry breaks

The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) has revealed that ferry holidays are becoming increasingly popular among travellers embarking on trips from the UK.

Penny Guy, director of the association, told Travel Daily that convenience and cost are among the strongest factors working in the ferry industry's favour.

These benefits are particularly important to customers setting off on family holidays, Ms Guy revealed.

"I think ferry trips have become more popular, particularly amongst families, due to the fact that there are no additional costs and passengers can take as much luggage as they like," she told the news provider.

The PSA director went on to state that some 10.17 million passengers were recorded on ferries in the second quarter of 2010, marking an increase of four per cent from the previous year.

DFDS Seaways announced this week that it has experienced a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings since April as a result of the volcanic ash disruption and strikes in the airline industry.

Stena Line has also benefited from the growing interest in sea travel this year, with rising passenger numbers on its routes to Holland and Northern Ireland in the second quarter.

The company operates ferries from Harwich to Hook of Holland, as well as ferries from Belfast to Stranraer.

Posted by Andrew Smith