Tour guides hopeful for a return to pre-Covid levels
TOUR guides are anticipating a busy summer season as pandemic restrictions ease to allow visitors to travel into the island without border restrictions.
Cruise ships have not been able to come to Guernsey since 2019, meaning many self-employed tour guides have lost out on vital income.
The schedule for when the ships are expected to come in has not yet been released, but the first is expected to arrive in April.
‘We are optimistic that the level of tourists visiting who come on tours will start to steadily return to pre-Covid levels.
‘For all guides they each get paid individually per person. If no-one goes on their walks they don’t get an income, and you do get days sometimes when no-one comes,’ said Ann Outram, PR manager for the Town walks division of the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides.
During the visitor seasons of 2018 and 2019, a total of more than 2,000 people joined for guided Town walks.
Numbers decreased dramatically in 2021, when fewer than 200 people went on the central walking excursions.
‘The figures were drastic and there were very few who weren't local visitors. We’re optimistic that 2022 will be the year we get back to previous levels but only time will tell,’ said Mrs Outram.
It was announced this week that arrivals in the Bailiwick, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, will no longer be required to complete a Travel Tracker form and it will not be mandatory for anyone who tests positive for Covid to self-isolate.
The changes come into effect later this month.
Keen walkers visiting in the summer often gravitate towards the walking festivals in the spring and autumn, during which guides take walkers around the island’s coasts and ruettes tranquilles.
‘Many people plan holidays around those festivals. People come looking for a variety of things to do and that’s why they choose Guernsey.
‘All tour guides offer private tours and everyone is welcome at the information centre, rain or shine, there is no need to book.’
More than 20 guides make up the BGAG, which also provides guided coastal walks.
n The season for Guided Walks around St Peter Port will start from Saturday 2 April.
Advance bookings can be made at townwalks@hotmail.com
