Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Northlink Ferries Set For Sell-out Summer As TV Series Boost Visitor Numbers To Record Highs

3rd June 2019

Northern Isles ferry operator Serco NorthLink Ferries is predicting its busiest ever holiday season. The company has just completed training for its 31 seasonal Passenger Service Assistants who have joined the team ahead of the summer surge.

Bookings in 2019 have already been extremely strong, fuelled especially by interest in the Shetland TV crime series, the trend in mindfulness, and staycation demand due to Brexit uncertainty. Customer feedback also indicates that the islands' combination of wildlife, landscapes and heritage remain important in attracting visitors from throughout the UK and abroad.

Stuart Garrett, Serco's managing director for NorthLink Ferries, said: "Summer time in Orkney and Shetland is a unique experience that really does have to be seen to be believed. Our vessels are going through their annual upgrade offering something new for even returning passengers. Our staff, and everyone involved in hospitality in the islands, are ready to go for another outstanding summer."

The tourism season gets fully underway even before the Scottish school holidays, with many tourists drawn to the ‘simmer dim’ on 21 June, when there will be nearly 19 hours of daylight. The wide range of outdoor, music and culture festivals across Orkney and Shetland also got underway in May, marking the start of a very busy five months for the ferries.

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland regional leadership director, said: "Both Orkney and Shetland are a huge draw for visitors, with their stunning landscapes, rich history and heritage, inspiring culture and warmth of the people. These combine to make the islands a real must-visit, must-return destination for the discerning traveller looking for an adventure in Scotland.

“Testament to their popularity is the news just this week that Shetland has been included in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 ‘Best in Europe’ list - the only UK destination on the list - which is a fantastic accolade.

“Scotland’s appearances in TV in shows like ‘Shetland’ have the potential to reach huge global audiences and play an influential role in where visitors choose to travel. We know from research that one in five visitors are inspired to visit after seeing the country on-screen. Almost a third of visitors (29%) of visitors to Orkney were inspired to visit by a TV programme, so the opportunities for the tourism industry are immense."

Last year, NorthLink ferried around 137,000 passengers to the Northern Isles during June, July and August, from a total of 323,000.

For more information on NorthLink Ferries visit www.northlinkferries.co.uk/

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Northlink Ferries disruption warning to customers Thumbnail for article : Northlink Ferries disruption warning to customers
Current forecasts indicate the possibility of disruption to our services from Saturday 27th January through to the evening of Monday 29th January.   Information will follow as forecasts update.  
Northlink Ferries Weather Disruption - Changes To Times And CancellationsThumbnail for article : Northlink Ferries Weather Disruption - Changes To Times And Cancellations
Early disruption warning to customers Current forecasts indicate the possibility of disruption to our services from the evening of Sunday 21st January through to the evening of Tuesday 23rd January.   More information will follow as forecasts update.  
NorthLink Ferries opens booking system for 2024
Serco NorthLink Ferries has officially opened its booking system for the full calendar year ahead - giving customers the opportunity to book forward travel up to the end of December 2024.   Billy Robb, Customer Service Director for NorthLink Ferries, said, "We are pleased to be able to open our booking system up to December 2024, allowing people to book travel in spring, summer and beyond, both to and from Shetland and Orkney.  
Northlink Ferries Mv Hjaltland Crew Raises Over £4,800 For Clan Cancer Support
Serco NorthLink Ferries staff have raised over £4,800 in support of Clan, a charity supporting those affected by cancer across north-east Scotland.   Staff on board and ashore - led by Kathryn Fullerton, Retail Supervisor on the MV Hjaltland - carried out fundraising activities over the course of last year to gather funds for the charity.  
No Replacement Vessel To Cover Scrabster Route During Hamnavoe RefitThumbnail for article : No Replacement Vessel To Cover Scrabster Route During Hamnavoe Refit
The lifeline ferry service between Stromness and Scrabster will cease operation completely for a fortnight this winter, NorthLink Ferries has confirmed.   The route is to be shutdown from January 31 until February 13 while mv Hamnavoe goes into dry dock for maintenance.  
Ferry Problems Getting Worse In The Scottish FleetThumbnail for article : Ferry Problems Getting Worse In The Scottish Fleet
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has again written to the Transport Minister Graeme Dey demanding Scottish Government address the urgent issues facing Scotland's Ferry Fleet.   Following CalMac's announcement that it had been forced to amend timetables as the MV Hebrides was from the rotation for urgent repairs, it became clear that some communities were facing loss of their ferry service for days.  
Serco NorthLink Ferries reveals passenger numbers for first two months of 2021Thumbnail for article : Serco NorthLink Ferries reveals passenger numbers for first two months of 2021
Serco NorthLink Ferries recorded more than 8,000 journeys during the start of 2021 as it continues to support essential travel.   The service remains aligned to the Scottish Government's Strategic Framework, with NorthLink Ferries providing key worker, essential islander and freight connectivity between the Northern Isles and mainland Scotland.  
Serco NorthLink Ferries provides update on latest travel figuresThumbnail for article : Serco NorthLink Ferries provides update on latest travel figures
Serco NorthLink Ferries is continuing to maintain vital transport links over the autumn and winter period - following the opening of its 2021 booking system at the start of October.   The service remains aligned to the Scottish Government's Strategic Framework, and while passenger and car volumes are down significantly year-on-year they have shown further signs of strengthening over the last few months.  
Serco Northlink Ferries Introduces Pet-friendly Cabins On BoardThumbnail for article : Serco Northlink Ferries Introduces Pet-friendly Cabins On Board
Four-legged friends can now travel with their owners between the Scottish mainland and Orkney and Shetland - thanks to new pet-friendly cabins on NorthLink Ferries passenger vessels MV Hamnavoe, MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey.   Each ship has two pet-friendly cabins available which have en-suite facilities, side-by-side lower twin bunks and tea and coffee making facilities.  
Serco NorthLink Ferries publishes passenger volumes across first phases of lockdownThumbnail for article : Serco NorthLink Ferries publishes passenger volumes across first phases of lockdown
Serco NorthLink Ferries has been operating a revised service during Phase 1 and 2 of lockdown, which has provided travel for key workers as well as essential islander and freight connectivity between the Northern Isles and mainland Scotland.   During the period 22 March to 30 June, passenger numbers across all routes were 6,010 in comparison to 112,416 over the same period in 2019, representing a reduction of 95 per cent.