Cross-channel transporter Brittany Ferries is taking reservations for 2022 as it seeks to reassure holiday-makers if foreign breaks are ruled out for this year.
The move to take next-year bookings comes three months earlier than normal and is partly designed to meet customer demand for holidays in 2022.
But it also aims to deliver reassurance to those who hold 2021 reservations, should a return to international travel be delayed.
“We share the Prime Minister’s optimism that international travel will be back on the menu by May 17,” said Paul Acheson, sales and marketing director Brittany Ferries.
“But we also know that many travellers may be concerned about the situation in the countries we serve. Opening early means we cover all bases. We can serve those wishing to book ahead, offering the best choice for 2022 sailings.
“We can also bring flexibility and reassurance for those with a 2021 booking who may wish to amend their reservation at some point in the weeks ahead.”
The launch will come in two phases, starting on April 6. In phase one, most Brittany Ferries routes to France and Spain will open, covering services extending to November 2022.
The list includes ferries linking Portsmouth with Caen and St Malo, Portsmouth and Plymouth with Santander, and Cork with Roscoff. Other routes will be open for sale too, but for now these will be limited to services operating into March next year.
Phase two of the launch will come in May: Brittany Ferries will extend availability for all services up to November 2022.
The company said it is committed to holding 2022 prices at 2021 levels for the same journey. It also offers a range of flexible ticket options, offering further options for travellers. Reservations can be amended easily online via the My Booking function on the company website.
Brittany Ferries is working on a five-year recovery plan after the Covid pandemic and Brexit problems saw revenue sink by 267million euros.
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The firm, which has its UK headquarters in Plymouth, saw turnover fall to just 202.4million euros in 2020 – a 57% drop from 469million euros a year earlier.
The company – which sails to France, Spain and Ireland from Plymouth, Poole and Portsmouth – carried just 752,102 passengers overall in 2020, figures released in March reveal, down from nearly 2.5milion in 2019. On the Plymouth to Roscoff route passenger numbers sank from 328,133 to 78,445.
With about 80% of company income is generated through passenger traffic the company said the effect travel restrictions had on turnover was “devastating”.
Freight was less badly affected, down 20% from 201,554 units to 160,377 as trucks were allowed to cross the water even when passengers were banned by various anti-coronavirus restrictions.
But the firm was affected by Brexit stockpiling and border control problems too and on the Plymouth to Roscoff sailings just 2,906 units were moved, compared to 4,787 a year earlier. French-owned Brittany Ferries called the stats “some of the most disappointing figures” in its history.
