Brittany Ferries Helps Boost Tourism With 'Mini-Cruises' And Increased Capacity

Brittany Ferries new luxury flagship, mv Pont-Aven, is helping to boost tourism to Ireland!  A new 'mini-cruise' programme which takes advantage of the off-season sailing schedule will recommence in September and bring thousands of French tourists to Cork for a taste of true Irish hospitality.

Brittany Ferries is making it even easier for French tourists to visit Ireland by offering mini-cruises during the off-season.  French passengers embark in Roscoff on a Friday evening, sailing overnight and arriving in Cork on Saturday morning.  From there, coaches collect the mini-cruise passengers for a leisurely day in Kinsale or Midleton and then it's back to Ringaskiddy where, once on board, travellers can avail of the finest French cuisine in one of Pont-Aven's restaurants or bistros, enjoy live entertainment or just relax in their top class, air-conditioned cabins.

Brittany Ferries estimates that they will bring an additional several thousand tourists to Ireland during the off-season on their mini-cruise programme.  "We're delighted that we can offer this unique experience for our French neighbours," said Hugh Bruton, General Manager of Brittany Ferries Ireland.  "We believe it will encourage mini-cruise travellers to return to Ireland next year for a longer holiday which can only benefit the tourism industry."

In addition, due to the Pont-Aven's increased capacity over former ships travelling the Roscoff to Cork route, as well as the high level of amenities and luxury found on board the ship, Brittany Ferries expects to bring close to 30,000 French visitors to our shores in 2004, which should be worth several million euros to the Irish economy.

For bookings and further information on Brittany Ferries' routes and schedules, customers should ring 021 427 7801.

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For further information please contact:
Claire Guiney, WHPR @ 01 669 0030
claire.guiney@ogilvy.com

Released 17 June 2004