Survey finds 67% of visitors are keen to return to island

The findings have come from a Visit Guernsey survey, which saw 2,604 from the tourism group’s database giving their views on tourism.

Three quarters of those questioned had visited the Bailiwick before, and 70% of those have been over in the last five years.

When asked if they were likely to visit in the next 12 months, 67% said they were either likely or very likely to visit.

Less than 6% said it was unlikely or very unlikely they would be coming over to the islands.

However, the question was asked based on border restrictions being relaxed.

Currently most people arriving in the islands have to self-isolate for 14 days.

Of those keen to visit the islands in 2021, 70% say they want to do so to see friends and family.

When looking at why the Bailiwick would entice visitors, Guernsey’s low number of Covid cases seems to be a big driver.

More than a third of those questioned said the main influence of them wanting to visit Guernsey was that it was safer than Europe or other overseas destinations.

When asked to choose three top reasons that would make them want to visit, 51% said it was due to Guernsey’s clean accommodation and safety measures in relation to coronavirus and 50% said it was due to the low number of coronavirus cases.

The availability of a vaccine also looks set to sway people’s decision on whether to travel, with 40% saying that would affect their decision to visit.

The Guernsey tourism team also asked people what they thought of the new Safe, Clean and Legal accreditation scheme, which will show that local visitor accommodation is clean and registered.

Of those asked, 43% said knowing the accommodation sector had signed up would hold a lot of influence over their decision to visit.

The survey was carried out in October.