Condor has confirmed that its early forward bookings for 2023 are showing positive signs of returning to pre-pandemic levels for car passengers.
Overall car passenger volumes on the company’s UK and French services with the Islands are now running slightly ahead of 2019, the last comparable year. Condor attributes this to a recovery in confidence amongst consumers, a joint marketing effort with tourism and the growing popularity of its new UK tour operator business.
Justin Amey, Condor’s Head of Marketing, said: “The initial demand for bookings is very encouraging and shows that people are looking to travel once again in greater numbers than we have seen for a few years. It is early days of course, but it is pleasing to see that the interest returning and it is a good start to the season.
“Foot passenger numbers remain challenging – although better than last year – especially from France, due to the requirement for travellers to carry passports post-Brexit.”
Condor has launched a new marketing campaign and is partnering with tourism in each Island to highlight the extensive benefits of holidaying to Jersey and Guernsey. The plans also include inviting 50 regional travel journalists and editors to visit, sample the delights of the two Bailiwicks and write about their experiences.
Mr Amey added: “It’s all about promoting the Islands and using sea travel to get here. We launched our travel business, Condor Breaks, last year to target UK consumers and after a steady start, the past few weeks have seen a real surge in interest for combined hotel and ferry bookings.
“We are now exploring opportunities to provide Islanders with the hotel and ferry packages to France and the UK, so are hopeful that the success of last summer, coupled with the positive figures for this year, offers optimism that 2023 could be a good season for everyone.”
