The Isle of Man will be further promoted as a holiday destination during National Ferry Fortnight 2017, a British Isles-wide initiative aimed at encouraging travel by sea.

The Steam Packet Company has again teamed up with Manx National Heritage (MNH) to create a special offer for the fortnight to attract more visitors to the Island.

The theme of this year’s campaign, which runs from 6th to 20th May, is ‘Ferry Together’, encouraging family and friends to spend more time together.

Research by National Ferry Fortnight organiser Discover Ferries has revealed that two thirds of parents say holidays and trips away are the only quality time their families spend together, due to the hectic nature of modern life and increasing use of digital gadgets.
That means every moment of a holiday is valuable time together, and when you travel by ferry you can start relaxing as soon as you step on board. You can explore the vessel together, take in the sea views together and enjoy a meal together.

Last year’s partnership between the Steam Packet Company and MNH secured more than 330 bookings in just two weeks. It is hoped this year’s offer will see even more people discovering the Isle of Man for the first time or making a return trip.

The offer, which is only available for bookings made during National Ferry Fortnight, includes a heavy discount on the Steam Packet Company’s ‘Any Length’ offer and free of charge access to MNH sites:

Ferry Together to the Isle of Man with a Car + 2 People, for any length of stay, from ?85 each way and explore the Island's most fascinating heritage sites together for FREE with two Manx National Heritage Holiday Passes valued at ?20 each with Fare Code: FERRY. For full details and terms and conditions visit www.steam-packet.com.

The offer is valid for travel between 8th May 2017 and 23rd May 2017, and between 5th September 2017 and 4th January 2018.
During the fortnight, the Steam Packet Company will be promoting the Island and the benefits of ferry travel in national UK media, with many outlets running features about the campaign and the destinations promoted by the ferry companies.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Each year National Ferry Fortnight brings together ferry firms which operate routes to and from the British Isles to encourage more people to enjoy the comfort, relaxation and convenience of sailing. It is a wonderful opportunity to promote our services as well as the rich culture, heritage and incredible natural beauty of our Island home to a wide audience across Britain.

‘Last year we partnered with MNH to provide a special offer to encourage more people to visit the Isle of Man, and it proved extremely popular. We’re delighted to once again be working with MNH, custodians of the Island’s celebrated internationally acclaimed heritage sites, to include MNH Holiday Passes alongside a substantial discount on our Any Length offer. This represents superb value for money.’

He added: ‘The theme this year is Ferry Together, encouraging people to spend quality time with family and friends during their holidays. The Isle of Man is the perfect place to spend time together, so we hope to be welcoming many new and returning visitors with this offer.’