Online ferry retailer attributes ‘bumper growth’ to tech developments

Trade-facing ferry retailer Aferryagent.co.uk has reported 12% growth for the first quarter of 2016.

Trade-facing ferry retailer Aferryagent.co.uk has reported 12% growth for the first quarter of 2016.

The firm said in the UK, “bumper growth” is particularly noticeable on the Western Sea routes, North Sea crossings – particularly Harwich to the Hook of Holland – while the Irish Sea and Dover to Calais routes are “stable”.

The increase in sales is being attributed of the various technological developments on the site as well as stronger distribution and partnerships.

The firm said a new flexi-fare option has been successful along with the multi-route extension, which allows customers to travel outbound on one route with one carrier and return with another carrier on a different route.

Kirsty Laifa, UK head of sales said: “We are very happy with this excellent start to 2016 and all signs for the rest of the year are good. “Agents are able to explain ferry travel in a much better fashion to their clients thanks to Aferryagent and are finding they can easily book the crossing chosen with us and receive their commission.

“The agent site has been going from strength to strength thanks to more exposure at the end of 2015.”

Aferry.co.uk is available in 28 languages, and takes more than a million individual bookings each year.

If travel agents download the AFerry app before June 30, they will be entered into a draw to win an iPad Pro.