Boulogne looks to attract back more UK tourists

With the resumption of a regular ferry service last week between the UK port of Dover and Boulogne, France, the French port is looking to regain once again its UK visitors market.Following the demise of budget fast ferry operator SpeedFerries last year, French operator LD Lines announced that it would be starting services between Dover and Boulogne on 1 July this year. However, seeing the potential for tourists and freight on this route, LD Lines started its new service five months ahead of schedule last week. At present there are two return sailing a day between Dover and Boulogne, increasing to six in July when a second ship is added.Boulogne itself is gearing up for the regeneration of the UK visitor market to the town. On-going improvements are being made to the visual appeal of the town such as the medieval city centre, tourist attractions, boulevards, shops, restaurants and hotels. These include:• Renovation of the Old Town (Vielle Ville) as a total tourist attraction• Renovation of many of Boulogne’s traditional houses• Building of a covered pedestrian walkway, linking the port to the town• Longer term projects include the construction of a new ferry terminal and the opening up of more luxury category hotels in Boulogne• The opening in October 2005 of a new dual carriageway auto route link road from the port connecting with the A16 to Paris and the entire French motorway system• Opening of the new Hub Port Ro-Ro Terminal on 1 July 2009 Sphere: Related Content