Condor looks forward to 'pent-up demand' for travel to the islands in summer
CONDOR is optimistic about the coming summer and its CEO is hoping that the Channel Islands will benefit from a pent-up demand from British consumers who have been unable to travel during lockdown.
Paul Luxon believes that Britons are likely to take holidays in and close to the UK rather than opting for long-haul travel.
He said that there were encouraging signs despite the difficulties experienced in travel and hospitality over the last year and more recently.
‘Everyone knows that the past few months have been challenging but we are encouraged looking ahead as holidaymakers clearly want to travel and make up for lost time but also to visit destinations closer to home,' he said.
'Both Guernsey and Jersey have handled the pandemic well and are viewed positively from outside the islands so we see this as a genuine opportunity, for instance, if Covid-19 vaccine permits or passports are allowed which then facilitates quarantine free travel.’
The company will work with Visit Guernsey and Visit Jersey and the islands' hospitality industries and associations on plans which, it is hoped, will revitalise the visitor economy using traditional and online marketing.
There has been an increase in online interest in ferry travel over previous years, because of people looking to use their own car, book a cabin, or benefit from having more space compared to the 'perceived claustrophobic travel by air'.
‘Sea travel is recognised as a safe and convenient way of getting around during the pandemic and another potential benefit for the islands is the uncertainty regarding overseas travel post-Brexit, so we want to take advantage of UK consumers looking for a hassle-free holiday or break but not venturing too far,' said Mr Luxon.
'The Channel Islands are safe, clean, fresh, natural holiday destinations so a great place to escape to this year.’
