Guernsey’s Visitor Numbers Remain Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Recent data indicates that the volume of visitors to Guernsey continues to fall short of the levels recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the government’s quarterly travel and visitor accommodation bulletin, 122,678 individuals traveled to the island during the months of July through September. This figure represents an 18% decrease compared to the corresponding period in 2023, and a 33% reduction from the 260,369 visitors observed in 2019, which was the last complete summer season prior to the pandemic. Furthermore, the report drew attention to an ongoing decline in the number of island residents departing during the summer season, decreasing from 75,432 in 2019 to 69,635 in 2024. The States of Guernsey compiles this data through exit surveys administered to passengers, alongside details furnished by visitor accommodation providers and Guernsey Ports. During these exit surveys, individuals departing the island via aircraft or ferry are questioned about their likelihood of recommending Guernsey to friends or relatives. In 2024, 55% of respondents indicated they would recommend the island, a decrease from 65% in 2019. The total number of visitors traveling for business reasons reached 7,099 individuals. This figure marks an 18% increase over the equivalent period in 2023, yet it remains 42% lower than the total recorded in 2019. The statistics further revealed that 75,598 visitors stayed for a minimum of one night but no more than 30 nights, representing a 2% increase from 2023 but a 25% decrease from 2019. Additionally, 13,968 individuals undertook day trips to Guernsey, a number lower than in 2023 and 36% below the 2019 figure.