Direct travel to Hull from Belgium and Holland increases

The number of visitors travelling directly to Hull from Holland and Belgium has increased dramatically as a direct result of the partnership working between Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and P&O Ferries.

P&O minicruises taking people directly to Hull city centre from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge crossings have shown an increase of 19.9 per cent this year compared to 2007: the largest growth in the ferry operator's extensive range of minicruise destinations.

This increase in visitor numbers has helped to promote Hull as a destination, rather than a city to pass through en route to other tourist attractions. Those making journeys on P&O Ferries travelling to and from Hull are met with a range of literature promoting the city and its attractions, including multi-lingual visitor guides, posters and beer mats.

Janet Reuben, VHEY's Chief Executive said,, 'Hull offers a lot of choice to a diverse range of travellers and I am very pleased that visitor numbers have increased. We have made a concerted effort to encourage people to stay in the city to discover and enjoy the many visitor attractions, such as the Museums Quarter, our cultural venues, the retail offer and the historic old town. I am delighted and proud that our efforts have resulted in more visitors and I am certain that trend will continue as Hull's tourist attractions are enhanced further.'

P&O Ferries' Marketing Manager Baptiste van Outryve said, 'The partnership between P&O Ferries and VHEY has worked well during the past year. Hull shows the largest increase in our range of minicruise destinations and we are very pleased that this key Yorkshire city is benefiting from an increase in direct visitors.'