Guernsey visitor numbers increase in latest data

The number of visitors to Guernsey increased in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.Data from The Tourism Management Board (TMB) showed a total of 21,928 visitors came to the island, a 6% increase.However, a survey by the Guernsey Hospitality Association (GHA) found 70% of respondents reported a drop in room occupancy in April compared to the same month last year.Hannah Beacom, chair of the TMB, said: "There is much to be optimistic about."
'Positive direction'
She said: "It shows there is a lot that is moving in a positive direction, and we are confident that 2025 will be a profitable year for the industry."
The TMB figures showed a 6% increase in the overall day trip market, and a 38% rise in business day-trippers.The breakdown revealed 73% of visitors were from the UK, 14% from Jersey, 3% from France and 9% from elsewhere. Compared with the first quarter of 2024, the number of visitors from France more than doubled and there was a 9% increase in visitors from the UK, a 7% decrease in visitors from Jersey and a 15% decrease in visitors from elsewhere.
'Most valuable'
The GHA said it surveyed its members to gauge occupancy levels from April to September.It found 46% of respondents believed their occupancy levels would be lower than in 2024, 32% forecast they would be about the same, and 22% expected an increase.A statement from GHA said: "We appreciate that the staying visitor market isn't the total sum of the island's tourism business, and it's positive to see an increase in visitors from France, especially day-trippers, which definitely helps create a positive vibe in and around St Peter Port. "But it's the staying visitors that are the most valuable to our industry and the island's economy."

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