High-speed rail service Eurostar and Dover to France ferry operator DFDS Seaways have reported increasing passenger numbers and growth in revenues.

Eurostar said passenger numbers for the year ending December 31 rose 2% from 9.5million to 9.7million.

Figures showed total sales revenue in 2011 grew by 6%, to £803million. The business reported an unaudited net profit of £20.8 million.

The company said the rise reflected Eurostar's "continued focus on the customer experience and the increasing number of travellers choosing high speed rail over plane for short haul travel in Europe".

Chief executive Nicolas Petrovic added: "Eurostar continues to make good progress against a difficult economic backdrop and ongoing uncertainty across Europe.

"Over the last year we have invested in upgrading our service and product and this has resulted in strong growth in sales revenues and passenger numbers.

"Having completed our first financial year as a stand-alone business and delivered a strong performance we are now well positioned to build on this momentum."

DFDS Seaways said passenger business had experienced increases in revenue and volume for the seventh consecutive year.

DFDS group turnover and profit grew by 18% in 2011, with the group seeing growth on Baltic Sea and North Sea routes as well as the English Channel services.

The group's turnover grew to a record £1.354billion. Pre-tax profit was £86million.

Chris Newey, passenger director for the English Channel at DFDS Seaways, said: "2011 was a challenging year with the economy still in a state of uncertainty, which in turn created continued pressure on the travel sector.

"The landscape for the ferry industry has changed significantly since 2003. Against this backdrop, we are extremely proud to have achieved an increase in revenue, market share and volume of sales for the seventh year in a row.

"These results are a credit to the hard work and dedication of our on-shore and off-shore employees, as well as loyalty from our customers."