Condor Ferries experiences a remarkable 14% increase in carryings this summer.
- Enhanced summer schedules drive significant growth across all routes.
- A return to pre-COVID car volumes signals strong recovery in travel demand.
- Inter-island travel sees a substantial 75% rise, illustrating increased connectivity.
- Strategic industry partnerships poised to capitalise on optimistic forecasts for 2025.
Condor Ferries has reported a notable 14% rise in carryings during the peak summer months. This increase is attributed to enhanced scheduling, which saw a greater number of sailings compared to the previous year. The alterations in the ferry services’ timetable have successfully boosted the number of passengers, illustrating a robust demand for travel between the Channel Islands and the mainland.
The ferry service provider recorded strong growth from late summer into early autumn, with all travel routes experiencing increased bookings. Notably, car volumes have returned to pre-COVID levels, marking a significant milestone in the recovery of travel demand. The peak travel period, from July 14 to September 3, saw total volumes reaching 26,874, underlining Condor’s capacity to handle increased passenger traffic effectively.
Condor ferries transported 19,217 additional car and foot passengers on its UK and French services to and from Jersey compared to the same period in 2023, representing a 16% growth. Furthermore, there was a 2% rise, equating to 1,084 more passengers, in the number of car and foot passengers travelling between Guernsey and the UK and France. These figures highlight the effectiveness of the new schedule in accommodating more passengers and boosting traffic on these routes.
Inter-island travel experienced a remarkable 75% increase, with passenger numbers rising from 8,766 in 2023 to 15,369. A critical factor in this surge was the introduction of an improved timetable that enhanced the frequency of sailings from key locations such as St Malo and Jersey. The ferry, Condor Islander, played a pivotal role in increasing capacity during its inaugural summer service.
Condor’s Chief Executive, Christophe Mathieu, expressed optimism about the future, stating that the encouraging results were made possible by the adjusted timetable. He mentioned, “The figures are very encouraging and would not have been achievable under the previous timetable.” He further asserted that cooperative efforts with partners, including hospitality associations and tour operators, would continue to maximize opportunities for growth in 2025.
The strategic timetable enhancements by Condor Ferries signify a successful recovery and promising outlook for future growth in the Channel Islands travel sector.
