Late uptick in bookings sees positive August for tourism

Sunday 20 October 2024

Visit Guernsey has reported a positive end to the summer with August occupancy returning to pre-Covid levels.

Its latest trade bulletin puts August occupancy levels at 84%, 9% ahead of the month last year and in 2019.

Pictured: Occupancy levels excluding 2020 and 2021 where Covid had a major impact on tourist numbers.

It follows a June and July where the figure was behind last year.

Guernsey Hospitality Association President Alan Sillett said: "It's good to see a decent overall occupancy figure for August, with many venues saying the month turned out fairly strong due to late pick-up of bookings.

"However late bookings are sometimes discounted and that would affect the average room rates. Comparisons on occupancy stats with 2019 are unreliable due to the poor data system that was being used back then.

"Sea passenger numbers were really positive last month, and Condor Breaks have been popular this summer. But we have now had drops in air passenger movement numbers for three months in a row, and that has to be concerning. The trend of rising numbers by sea and falling numbers by air could be a symptom of the problems we have experienced with air travel this year."

In the bulletin, Visit Guernsey said that earlier in the year there were some concerns about August occupancy and it responded with four digital and social media campaigns on top of its normal activity.

"These specifically promoted August, targeting those looking for a last-minute break, family getaway or to escape the city during the heatwaves. We also promoted the islands into Jersey to stimulate more inter-island visitor activity.

"We remain optimistic that additional shoulder month promotional activity will result in a strong quarter three into four, with provisional occupancy for the next three months the same as, or ahead of, 2023 for September, October and November."

Occupancy levels are based on the percentage of open units across the sector. Visit Guernsey said that the accommodation sector reported that long-stay guests accounted for 4% of the August figure.

"Excluding this, we are still surpassing August data from pre-Covid, which is encouraging."