MORE LOCAL groups are taking advantage of being able to notionally book space on the NorthLink ferries than large tour operators. That is according to NorthLink managing director Stuart Garrett, who was responding to concerns about large tour groups being able to book ferry space in advance of locals. Garrett said there had been recent reports that tour operators could book space on the NorthLink ferries before bookings had been opened up to the general public. Talking about the group bookings NorthLink take, Garrett said more local groups were looking to book in advance than tour operators from the mainland. Councillor Liz Peterson, however, was concerned that the move was giving tour operators an unfair advantage over locals.