Islanders staycationing in the Bailiwick have been rediscovering what Alderney has to offer, said the island’s tourism marketing body.
The creation of a ‘Bailiwick bubble,’ which has allowed free movement between Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney, has seen an influx of Guernsey tourists to the northernmost Channel Isle, with Aurigny operating up to five return flights a day between the islands to meet the demand for travel.
‘This summer’s Bailiwick bubble has been a great opportunity for Alderney to showcase what we have to offer to our fellow Bailiwick residents. We are so pleased to see many of our visitors either falling in love with our island for the first time or rediscovering after many years,’ said Visit Alderney.
‘We hope to continue to welcome Bailiwick friends with Aurigny moving into the autumn alongside visitors from further afield when travel restrictions are lifted.’
Alderney Policy and Finance Chairman, James Dent, said he had been delighted with how the airline had met the island’s needs, both in the immediate period following lockdown, and by putting on additional services in recent months.
‘This has enabled many people from Guernsey to come up and enjoy Alderney – many for the first time in decades or at all. I am pleased to confirm that this period of significant challenge for the island has seen the development of new relationships between the island and Aurigny,’ he said.
‘We are grateful to everyone concerned in the company for helping to salvage something from this summer, especially when for much of the spring it looked like a disastrous year for many island businesses with no visitors at all.’
The start of August saw the island celebrate its 72nd Alderney Week. The annual carnival and community festival featured over 68 events, including a torchlight procession and firework display.
(Featured image from Visit Alderney)