NorthLink Ferries, whose three new state-of-the-art vessels sail to Orkney and Shetland from the Scottish mainland, is delighted to be present at the inaugural ITEX, the major event for independent travel agents and tour operators.

NorthLink will showcase the comprehensive tour itineraries available to customers travelling to the Northern Isles and the quality and comfort offered on-board NorthLink’s cruise-standard passenger ferries.

Elaine Tulloch, NorthLink’s marketing projects manager, said: “We felt it was important to demonstrate at this, the first ITEX event, what NorthLink and the island groups of Orkney and Shetland have to offer holidaymakers.

“It’s great to have an event that puts travel suppliers in direct contact with independent travel agents and tour operators. Until now, we have had to identify these operators - who are a hugely significant part of the travel trade market - at more general trade shows and through direct marketing, so it is great to have an event geared purely towards this sector.

”We will be doing our utmost to ensure that Orkney and Shetland are put firmly on the map for these agents and their customers when they are organising Scottish holidays.”

NorthLink’s three passenger ferries - MV Hamnavoe, MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey - each have the capacity to carry 600 passengers, with 450 lane metres available on-board for cars and freight. The ships offer a wide range of facilities, including both self-service and a la carte restaurants, lounge and bar areas, cinema lounges, children’s play areas, games rooms and a 24-hour bar service. Passengers can choose from either two-berth or four-berth en suite cabins and a full range of facilities are provided for disabled passengers, including lifts on all levels and specially designed cabins. With NorthLink, the journey itself has become a treasured part of the Northern Isles holiday experience. 

NorthLink’s favourable timetables and fares, coupled with the obvious quality of the vessels themselves, have contributed significantly to the successes being enjoyed by the holiday and cruise tour packages NorthLink provides to groups and individuals.

Last year, more than 200 tourist coaches made trips to the Northern Isles during the summer season, and NorthLink is well on target to surpass this figure during the 2004 summer period. Also encouraging is the fact that the majority of independent travellers are opting for the longest of the holiday packages available, taking in both island groups.

Closer to Norway than it is to the Scottish mainland, Shetland’s most enduring link is to the Vikings who arrived not to pillage but to farm. They stayed for two centuries and left behind a legacy which is still celebrated today. Shetland has an awe-inspiring beauty shaped by the often fierce elements and the ancient, unspoiled land and seascapes are complemented by towering cliffs and impressive views across seas and islands.  Shetland also boasts an incredible array of wildlife – some 350 species of bird have been recorded here. 

A visit to Orkney proves that there is much more to the islands than famous historical sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. The environment itself is wonderful – clean, clear, fresh air and natural beauty in abundance. Green rolling fields give way suddenly to the most spectacular cliffs and stacks, crashing seas, wide skies and huge horizons. Such natural beauty and long history has inspired Orkney’s craft industry, indeed it is here where you will find the heart of Scotland’s silver jewellery industry.

NorthLink offers a range of flexible tour options for individuals travelling to the islands. Sail from Scrabster to Stromness on an Orkney Odyssey, with prices ranging from £299 per person for a three-night break to £459 for a six-night break. These prices are based upontwo people travelling with a car and are inclusive of return travel, three star accommodation in Orkney and internal island sailings. Itineraries can also be planned for holidaymakers travelling without their own vehicle and NorthLink will happily accommodate such requests.

If you’d like to travel further north, perhaps the Shetland Symphony holiday range is for you. Departing daily from Aberdeen, sail to Lerwick for a three-nights or more break in Shetland. Prices range from £379 for a three-night break to £529 for the six-night holiday. Again, prices include return travel in en-suite cabins on-board NorthLink’s cruise vessels, three star island accommodation, selected boat trips and maps and guidebooks to help you find your way round the county.

Alternatively, how about taking in both Orkney and Shetland on a holiday that combines travel to and accommodation in each of the islands. Prices for range from £299 for a two-night mini cruise without a car (departing Scrabster every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday), to £499 for a five-night Explore Orkney & Shetland holiday, departing Aberdeen for Lerwick every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

All NorthLink’s holiday options are flexible and staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements for you.

For more details on the various holidays available, please visit NorthLink’s website www.northlinkferries.co.uk or call 0845 6000 449.

Visitors attending ITEX at Islington’s Business Design Centre can meet NorthLink personnel at stand M69.