Herm Island gears up for a busy year
BOOKINGS are picking up for Herm as the island prepares for what is hoped to be a busy year for tourism.
Both regular and new visitors and new guests have been making arrangements to spend time in the island, despite the easing of travel restrictions meaning some Bailiwick residents may be looking further afield for their holidays.
‘Bookings have certainly picked up since Christmas and are starting to grow,’ said Herm Island marketing and PR manager Kate Evans: ‘A lot of new Guernsey people have come and stayed for the first time, after only coming for day trips before, and have absolutely fallen in love with Herm as a holiday destination.’
The added benefit of varied accommodation choices encouraged more people to the island all year round, she said.
‘It’s such a unique place and at any time of year it’s so special over here – it’s so different and beautiful. You get that different aspect and soak up the island more.’
She said cottages were the top choice for winter and spring stays.
‘The cottages are probably half-full for February half term,’ Ms Evans said.
For the summer, bookings are already looking strong for the hotel, campsites, and cottages, said Herm Island hospitality director Tom Jones, and there is still availability for late winter and spring packages.
‘The Herm team is very optimistic for the 2022 season and looking forward to getting back to some semblance of normality,’ he said.
‘Although I believe, like all businesses, we will still be impacted by global supply chain issues.’
The island has started its annual recruitment drive, which will see more than 100 seasonal members of staff employed.
‘We have detailed plans in place to deliver some great packages and events for the year ahead, as well as hoping to welcome back visitors from Guernsey and further afield to enjoy the peace and beauty of the island,’ Mr Jones said.
‘We are very lucky to have such beautiful holiday opportunities right on our doorstep and I think a lot of UK travellers will be looking to keep their holidays within the British Isles this year, so hopefully Herm and the other Bailiwick islands will benefit from that.’
