FASTNET LINE CHIEF EXECUTIVE CELEBRATES FLYING START TO SWANSEA TO CORK ROUTE

New Fastnet Line Chief Executive, Phil Jones, spoke at the official launch of the Swansea to Cork route on the MV Julia today (12 May 2010) and reported tourism traffic figures were 100% higher in April than predictions and pre bookings are currently exceeding expectations.

Fastnet Line’s Chief Executive Phil Jones met with Welsh businesses in Swansea today (Wednesday 12 May 2010) to officially launch the Swansea Cork route and deliver good news about the first two months of trading.

Funded mainly by private investors from West Cork in Ireland and Wales, the service has been dubbed “The Peoples’ Ferry” after a long public campaign to reintroduce the much-missed service to the South West region of Ireland. The innovative West Cork Tourism Co-op was established in April 2009, acquired the ship in September 09 with the first sailing on 11 March this year.

Since then, the 1,860 passengers, car and commercial freight-carrying vessel MV Julia has received booking revenues in excess of £3 million with over 15,000 passengers taking advantage of the convenient overnight sailings to-date.

Phil Jones, joined Fastnet Line as Chief Executive in April this year*, was buoyant in his assessment of the future market: “Despite seeing a significant uplift in tourism traffic as a result of grounded flights this month, the booking figures were already  very strong since commencing sailing on 11 March this year.

“Hassle free access from London, the South East and the Midlands via the M4 and road trip savings of over 370 miles over alternative sea crossings are attracting passengers from all along the M4 corridor looking for an easy path to the great attractions of South West Ireland. We are working with Tourism Ireland in Great Britain and Visit Wales to help promote these two fantastic tourist destinations to our passengers.”

The Deputy First Minister of Wales, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said: “I am delighted to see this innovative Co-op get off to such a great start. It was especially heartening to see Fastnet Line working with Cardiff Airport and other transport providers during the recent grounding of flights across Europe to offer solutions to tourists, and I wish them continued success.”

Paul O’Brien, General Manager, West Cork Tourism Co-operative Ltd, said some shareholders and members had already seen an uplift in business from restaurants to hotels and shops.

Bookings can be made on www.fastnetline.com . The year-round service on the 500 feet long MV Julia will carry passengers, cars and commercial freight and run six nights a week, with additional sailings in high-season, i.e. July and August.  Sailing is overnight departing at 21.00 hours and arriving 07.00 a.m. next day. With a capacity of 1,860 passengers, 440 cars, 40 trucks/trailers, and 300 cabins (including 14 deluxe cabins), the MV Julia is well suited to the route and to the enjoyment of a mini-cruise en route to Cork and Swansea.

The Julia offers  a number of bars and restaurants, on-board cinema and retail space, children’s playing area, kennels for passengers pets and extensive deck areas to enhance the experience, there is no doubt but that this route adds an exciting new option for consumers and businesses alike. Casino and internet access will be available on board from early summer.