Guernsey Press

Cruise returners a 'hidden benefit'

A 'HIDDEN BENEFIT' of Guernsey's growing cruise ship industry is the number of visitors who return for holidays, a businessman has said.

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Will Van Zanten, owner of Machon's jewellers, welcomed the extra footfall and was aware of holidaymakers who had returned after a cruise trip.

'The biggest thing I have noticed is the number of people, mainly Brits, who have discovered the island from a cruise and have come back for a longer stay,' he said. 'That is the hidden benefit.'

He was speaking as figures, from a survey commissioned by Commerce and Employment, showed that passengers provided an almost £4m. direct boost to the economy in the 2015 season. The value of the industry increased to more than £5m. when indirect benefits, including returning visitors, were looked at as well.

Mr Van Zanten said the nationality of the visitors influenced what was spent locally and in his shop, British visitors tended to spend the most.

'For the Brits this is the last stop on the way home,' he said. 'They're back in their own currency and language and they are willing to spend cash.'

Vicente Correia, bar manager at Mora Restaurant, said it had benefited from many seeking local food, especially freshly caught fish.

'They want local fish, which we have all the time,' he said. 'We are in a good position here. We are probably one of the most popular restaurants for the visitors.'

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