Wightlink ferry operator accelerates website development to meet rising demand

Wightlink ferry operator accelerates website development to meet rising demand

Operator saw notable increases in summer short and long stays during COVID pandemic

Cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink has launched a new website which it says will enable it to cope with increased demand seen during the summer.

The operator reported a “notable uptake” of ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight which recorded a 26.9% year on year increase in short-breaks visits in July.

Longer stays increased substantially by 62.5% and Wightlink says it saw a 37.9% rise in bookings in August for short-breaks and 56.4% for long stays.

The firm said the website relaunch was expedited in response to rising demand and uses “cutting-edge technology” so it is better equipped to deal with the increasing traffic levels.

It added it conducted extensive market research in the early stages of website development.

Working with cruise and ferry IT experts from Carus, “significant technological improvements” have gone into the development of an upgraded web and booking engine.

Keith Greenfield, Wightlink chief executive, said: “At Wightlink we endeavour to provide the best possible user experience for prospective and returning customers to our website.

“So far, I am thrilled with the new website’s performance and handling of traffic flow.

“From working in partnership with Si Digital’s expert team, the site has been designed to be mobile-first, allowing more users to gain access to the site than ever before.

“Moving forward, Wightlink expects to handle the growing traffic levels with maximum efficiency, making it easier than ever for visitors to be transported to the Isle of Wight on our ferries”.