Ferry bosses are encouraging holidaymakers to travel mindfully this year, enjoying time spent away whilst acting responsibly and appreciating the communities they are visiting.
Three quarters of consumers plan to holiday in the UK, Common Travel Area (CTA) or Europe this summer and the ferry industry expects more people to travel to destinations in and around British waters, including the Isle of Wight.
With more than half (53%) of people aged 16-44 admitting that a lack of holidays in the past year has negatively affected their mental health, the gradual reopening of hospitality in the UK’s 4 nations, the Isle of Man and Jersey offers a much-needed chance to rest and refresh. Tourism will help to invigorate local economies and boost travel businesses that have struggled during lockdown but could potentially put pressure on local communities in popular locations.
To help travellers make the most of trips, industry body Discover Ferries outlines what passengers can expect when travelling by ferry this summer and advise on how to prepare, respect the local environment and enjoy every moment.
What’s it like to travel on board?
Travelling by ferry offers spectacular scenery throughout the journey, the opportunity to relax and enjoy the experience, to browse the fabulous array of products in the onboard shops and the chance to get some fresh air and have a bite to eat on deck. Pets and bicycles are welcome too, and on roll-on, roll-off services, drivers can load up the car with as much luggage as they can fit in.
To give passengers more space ferries are running with reduced capacity, clear signage directs people around the ship and staff are on hand for queries. On some services, socially distant queuing systems and staggered boarding and disembarkation are in place to ensure passenger and crew safety.
As well as observing the government’s guidelines on wearing face coverings, hand hygiene and social distancing on board, operators are asking passengers to use contactless payments and purchase e-tickets where possible.
Respecting local communities
As providers of lifeline services to island communities throughout the pandemic, ferry operators are protective of local populations. Therefore, Discover Ferries are urging people to respect their destinations by avoiding busier public spaces.
Outdoor activities provide respite and normality from the months of following pandemic protocols, helping visitors to feel closer to nature. Caring for the environment is an integral part of travelling responsibly and visitors are reminded to ‘leave no trace’ when exploring local beauty spots.
Abby Penlington, director of Discover Ferries, says:
“After more than a year without holidays, we are excited to welcome passengers on board again. For domestic ferry operators and UK tourism businesses in particular, this summer could provide an invaluable economic boost and convert new audiences to holidays close to home. We are keen that the communities our operators serve are excited to receive visitors again. Our guidelines ensure travellers and locals alike are equally prepared for and enthusiastic about the return of tourism.
“Taking a freely-available lateral flow test prior to sailing and observing ferry safety protocols are important parts of sustaining safe travel. The joy of being back on the open water adds to the feeling of freedom and escape. From the moment passengers step on board, they will feel like they are getting away and leaving stress on the shore.”
But they still will not allow you to isolate by staying in your car. Judging by the tone of the article it is all about the profits they make on board.
No mention of asking operators to adopt the safest method of travel for passengers – letting them stay in their vehicles.
Once they get here they won’t respect island people. After all, they need a holiday poor things. Social distancing isn’t respected, you’ve only got to go to Tesco in Ryde to witness it.
ferry operators are protective of local populations. who writes this crap you did not give a toss about us on the Island in the first second third lockdown as long as you made your money
The only “ferry” operator who tried to help us was Hovertravel, now wightlink can see a chance of making a profit they bring back the cat so i hope all those helped by Hovertravel show their thanks and loyalty by continueing to use their services.
the island and its beaches will be rammed with all those that cannot or do not want to fly to a far flung destination for a holiday this year – the ferries will be packed, the roads packed, the shops and streets packed and we will all whinge about it, but tills will be ringing, so no one will care.
The ferry operators should make sure that people travelling should show Rapid Lateral Flow Test is negative prior to sailing or not let them leave their cars.