A LEADING cruise ferry operator has reported an upturn in trade, despite difficulties in the travel industry.

Tyneside-based DFDS Seaways has recorded a 17 per cent increase in passenger numbers and a six per cent increase in cars using its routes to Holland, Norway and Sweden.

The figures come despite a difficult year for the industry with the impact of foot-and-mouth disease and the September 11 terror attacks.

DFDS Seaways' Newcastle to Amsterdam overnight crossing was its fastest- growing passenger route out of the UK, with 450,000 people using it last year, a 25 per cent increase on the 2000 figures.

The year-end figures show that the company's £70m investment in bringing the Prince of Scandinavia and Queen of Scandinavia to the Tyne last year, has reaped benefits.

Only the firm's inbound market failed to prosper, suffering from the effects of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, and volume development was not as good as expected.

John Crummie, managing director of DFDS said: "These are exciting times for DFDS Seaways here in the North-East.

"More and more holidaymakers are now realising that they can enjoy a first- class experience when sailing overnight with us - characterised by high quality cuisine, a range of entertainment and superior service at a competitive price.

"In the year ahead, we aim to build on our expansion into the meetings and conference market with the Queen of Scandinavia," said Mr Crummie.