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The total number of departing visitors dropped by 3% between Q1 of 2024 and Q1 of 2023.
The figures have been revealed in the latest Travel and Visitor Accommodation bulletin, alongside an increase in the percentage of people travelling for leisure and a drop in available tourist accommodation units.
While an increase in resident and visiting passenger departures of 8% has been recorded between the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, it’s important to note that Easter fell over Q2 last year, and Q1 this year.
When it comes to tourism, the two main takeaways are firstly that the “total number of departing visitors (including any cruise and yacht passengers), for Q1 2024 was 25,456; 3% lower than Q1 2023 and 21% lower than Q1 2019.
“The total number of departing visitors (excluding any cruise and yacht passengers), for Q1 2024 was 25,267; 3% lower than Q1 2023 and 21% lower than Q1 2019.”
Secondly, data gathered via port surveys indicate that there was an increase in people travelling for leisure in Q1 of 2024.
The report states: “During Q1 2024, 9,609 visitors travelled to Guernsey to see friends and family; a very similar number to that reported in both Q1 2019 and Q1 2023. Visitors travelling for business purposes totalled 6,939 people; 22% lower than Q1 2023 and 37% lower than Q1 2019.
“Visitors travelling for leisure purposes totalled 6,419 people; 31% higher than Q1 2023, but 32% lower than Q1 2019.”
You can read the full bulletin HERE.
Despite the drop in departing visitors, the Chair of the Tourism Management Board, Hannah Beacom gave a positive reading of the bulletin:
“There is much to be optimistic in the Quarter 1 Bulletin, when comparing to the same period last year. What we are seeing is significantly more visitors travelling for leisure, for both day trips and longer breaks, in what have traditionally been our quieter months for tourism, and they are staying for longer.
“A 31% increase in those visitors coming to Guernsey for leisure, combined with more day trippers travelling for leisure – up 198% on 2023 – is significant. The drop in business travel is disappointing, but not unexpected, which has resulted in an overall downturn in visitors, year on year.
“There was a marked shift in how visitors chose to travel, with an increase of 42% opting to travel here by ferry, compared to the same period last year. Visitors who choose to travel by ferry tend to stay longer, on average ferry visitors stayed 5.1 nights in Q1 2024 resulting in an overall increase in bed nights, and a boost to the overall economy, which is encouraging.
“We also see less visitor accommodation being taken up with long stay. Overall, an encouraging start to the year for Guernsey.”
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