Stena Line and B&B Ireland announcement making waves
Leading ferry company, Stena Line and B&B Ireland have announced details of an agreement which is set to shake up the travel industry as it will give British holidaymakers competitive rates on hundreds of 3 and 4 star B&Bs across Ireland, that also includes ferry travel.
The landmark partnership is offering over 800 quality approved B&Bs across Ireland. The announcement follows news from Tourism Ireland that there has been a 10% increase in tourists coming to Ireland from Great Britain for February to April 2015 - 72,200 extra British visitors over the same three months in 2014.
B&B Ireland also reports an increase in online bookings from the GB market which are up 17% when compared to the first quarter of 2014.
“We are committed to offering our customers a quality travel experience and value for money”, said Ian Bailie from Stena Line. “Linking with B&B Ireland in this way means that people can book ferry travel and get their B&B accommodation at a lower cost than if they were booking separately. This is a much more user-friendly way for people to book their travel and accommodation.”
Stena Line provides an unrivalled passenger experience and route-network on the Irish Sea and with participating B&Bs in the hundreds, both B&B Ireland and Stena Line expect interest to be high.
Ian said: “Two night prices start from a low £65 per person per night and as holidaymakers can travel from Liverpool, Cairnryan in Scotland, Holyhead and Fishguard in Wales, with their car, Ireland, and its many attractions and stunning scenery, are within easy reach.”
Ireland’s tourism offering includes ancient monuments, myths and legends, it features a World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, and a friendliness known across the world, but there are some new attractions making waves.
Ian continued: “Since its launch, Ireland’s newest car odyssey, the Wild Atlantic Way, has been a huge success and has provided many economic benefits for coastal communities from Kinsale in County Cork to the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal. At 2600 km (1600 miles) in length, it is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world.
“The popularity of hit TV series, Game of Thrones has boosted the numbers of visitors to Northern Ireland, who are eager to see the magical filming locations featured in the series, such as Ballintoy Harbour and The Dark Hedges.
“Later this summer, also in Northern Ireland, an exhilarating Edwardian walking route, known as The Gobbins, is due to open for the first time since the 1900s. Located along the car touring route, the Causeway Coastal Route, The Gobbins will be an unexpected white-knuckle walk that will thrill those with a sense of adventure.”
Louise McGee, Marketing and Trade Relations Manager, B&B Ireland, said: “We are delighted with the new partnership between B&B Ireland and Stena Line. The British market is a very important market for B&B Ireland and is one of our top four markets with France, Germany and USA. Through Stena Line we can offer the British visitor a choice of 3 and 4 star Bed & Breakfast homes which are all independently owned and reflect a charming diversity of style and character. Whether you want a remote farmhouse retreat, a cosy cottage, a rustic country home or a grand townhouse during your visit to Ireland this summer your stay will not be complete without a warm welcome from our B&B hosts.”
For further information visit www.stenaline.co.uk/bbireland.
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NOTE TO EDITOR: For further information please contact Michael McCrory of Duffy Rafferty Communications on Belfast (028) 9073 0880.
