P&O announce third quarter passenger figures

Ports and ferries group P&O today said it had seen an improvement in the tourist market over the last quarter.

The group said short-sea routes on its ferry service had seen tourist vehicle numbers slightly above last year for the three months from July to September.

Tourist vehicle carryings increased by 4% to 561,000 in the third quarter, compared with the same quarter last year.

However passengers carried on its ferries for the quarter slipped to 3.51 million from 3.53 million.

P&O added: “On board spend continued the strong growth reported previously, with average sales per passenger 10% higher than for the year to date last year.”

During the period the group also bought out Swedish firm Stena’s 40% shareholding in ferries business P&O Stena Line, allowing the group to integrate its ferries under a single brand.

In its other routes, which include the Irish Sea, the North Sea and Scottish Isles, tourist vehicles numbers rose 2% to 397,000 although passenger numbers were broadly flat at 1.52 million, against 1.51 million last time.

P&O said carryings were disappointing on the North Sea, where the strong pound put off incoming continental passengers.