Guernsey’s Tourism Management Board believes latest data shows the industry is continuing its positive recovery.
Many indicators from the latest Guernsey Quarterly Travel and Visitor Accommodation Bulletin show an increase between 2022 and 2023.
While travel and visitor numbers remain lower than 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, quarter four in 2023 showed an improved position compared to the same period in 2022.
Headlines from the latest bulletin include:
- The total number of (resident and visiting) passengers (including any cruise and yacht passengers) departing Guernsey was 101,248 during quarter four 2023. This compares with 91,290 during quarter four 2022; an increase of 11%. However, it is 12% lower than in quarter four 2019.
- The total number of departing visitors (including any cruise and yacht passengers), for Q4 2023 was 42,270, only 5% lower than Q4 2019.
- But the total number of departing residents was 58,354; 16% lower than Q4 2019.
- The average length of stay for those who stayed at least one night but 30 or less nights in Q4 2023, was 4.3 nights.
Hannah Beacom (pictured), Chair of the Tourism Management Board, said: “While quarter 1 and Quarter 4 are understandably traditionally quieter than the spring and summer months, it is encouraging to see about 10,000 more passengers during October- December 2023 than the same period in 2022. It’s important to remember passenger numbers include residents travelling as well as visitors, but nevertheless the increase is another sign that we’re continuing to head in the right direction.
“We’re hopeful that 2024 will be a really positive year for the industry and now we need to collectively focus on increasing the value of tourism to the economy in arrival numbers but importantly also in length of stay and visitor spend, as we seek to get back to pre-pandemic levels and then grow our tourism offering further.”
