Hospitality sector backs summer ferry schedule

The Guernsey Hospitality Association backed the work done by Brittany Ferries and the States to make improvements on some routes despite Jersey’s indecision forcing them into a Guernsey-only timetable.

‘The schedule will improve connectivity to France and the mainland, with the opportunity for an increase in French and UK visitors,’ said GHA president Alan Sillett.

‘The timetables for both the southern and northern routes are definitely visitor- and business-friendly.’

The schedule, which covers the period 28 March until 30 September, includes early morning sailings from St Malo to Guernsey and a Guernsey-Poole-Guernsey fast ferry daytime service.

It also maintains capacity for freight from the UK and expands capacity for freight from France.

‘The new schedule presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen our connections with our French neighbours, enhancing both tourism and trade while expanding the import of food and other goods from France,’ said Chamber of Commerce president Stephen Rouxel.

‘We have already met with our Chamber counterparts in St Malo proactively to seize these opportunities and ensure we maximise the benefits this schedule can bring.’

However, the schedule cuts the number of freight sailings into the island from two to one each day, requires fast ferry passengers to arrive in St Malo after 9pm and includes only one ferry a week between Guernsey and Jersey.

Despite seeing ‘significant potential’ in the new arrangements, Chamber remained concerned about new challenges, some of which have been introduced by the collapse of the Channel Islands’ joint tender process.

‘These include the loss of economies of scale, added complexity for freight logistics, and the current absence of an inter-island service,’ said Mr Rouxel.

‘Despite these issues, we are committed to collaboration and working together to make this transition a success for our community.’

Brittany Ferries announced yesterday that it had completed a deal to become majority shareholder of Condor. The French company will manage the fleet of vessels, but its agreement with the States will allow it to assign its licence to Condor.

‘My message to everyone is that we are open for business,’ said Christophe Mathieu, chief executive of both companies.

‘The key to making this schedule a success is putting in the effort to showcase the island, especially in light of recent delays. We will hit the ground running and work closely with trade and industry partners to maximise this opportunity and catch up on lost time.’

He said nearly 1,000 applications had been received under a scheme opened in July which allowed passengers to register their interest in tickets. They will be contacted to finalise their bookings when routes go on general sale on Tuesday.

Tourism Management Board chairwoman Hannah Beacom said publication of the schedule provided industry with the certainty it needed.

‘It means we can begin to sell tickets, firm up bookings and send a message that Guernsey is open for business,’ she said.

‘The schedule has some real positives, including the frequency and timings of sailings for French visitors to the island, which will give us the opportunity to grow that market both for long-stays and day-trips.’

Mr Sillett said the GHA looked forward to ‘working closely with Brittany Ferries to improve the visitor journey and on-island experience for every visitor who comes to spend time in the Bailiwick’.