February 3, 1997
(Works, Services and Transportation)
 

The following is being distributed at the request of Marine Atlantic:

Ferry space readily available for Cabot 500 summer

There's still ample opportunity to reserve passenger and vehicle space on Marine Atlantic's Newfoundland ferries this summer. Company president Rod Morrison told the annual convention of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador over the weekend that bookings to date for June, July and August amount to 9.7 per cent of the available vehicle deck space.

"There is no doubt we will carry more people between this island and the mainland in 1997 than ever before," Morrison told the tourism industry gathering. "The only question is by how much will we break the record."

In recognition of the Cabot 500 celebrations, Marine Atlantic began accepting reservations for the coming summer season back on November 12, several months earlier than usual. As of last Friday, there were 11,411 vehicle spaces booked on the superferries Caribou and Smallwood between North Sydney and the island during the three summer months. Associated with these vehicles were 32,435 passengers.

Analysis of projected demand by both the ferry company and the provincial transportation department indicate that there should be ample capacity to meet demand. But, Marine Atlantic is suggesting that passengers should book as early as they can.

"Rumours that the ships are already sold out are completely unfounded," Morrison emphasized. "Although a few sailings in mid-summer are approaching their booking limit, none are yet at capacity."

He added that the company continues to monitor the booking levels, but there is as yet no indication that volumes will exceed the anticipated levels.

Contact: Ted Bartlett, Director of Public Relations, (709) 772-5731, or (506) 851-3611.

1997 02 03   12:15 p.m.
 

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