A total of 119,664 people came by plane, ferry or yacht between July and September, 7% more than a year earlier and 16% more than three years ago, according to the States’ latest travel and visitor accommodation bulletin, published today.
The number staying at least one night rose by 9% to 85,520, while day trippers arriving by air or sea increased by 4% to 22,535.
Visitors from France were up by 21% on last year and have more than doubled in three years, to 16,319. Numbers from the UK rose by 5%, and from the rest of the world by 14%, while those from Jersey fell by 9%.
‘The increase in French visitors over the past few years is phenomenal, and something that we hope will continue to grow,’ said Economic Development tourism lead Deputy Lee Van Katwyk.
‘But it’s not just France, with the number of visitors from the UK also up.’
The island’s net promoter score, which measures how likely visitors are to recommend Guernsey to a friend or relative, rose to 78, up from 71 a year ago and 66 in 2023.
Tourism Advisory Board co-chairman Charlie Walker said the score pleased her most.
'Not only are people coming here, but they are enjoying our island’s beauty, friendliness and everything else so much that they are more likely than ever to recommend the island to others,' she said.
Most of the 1,516 comments left by visitors praised the scenery, beaches and friendliness, while others highlighted the West and North shows, the cliff paths and local restaurants. But 4% complained about roadworks, road closures and traffic.
Hotel and guesthouse occupancy rose to 84% in July and August and 82% in September, up from around 79% to 80% last year. Visitors spent a total of 433,831 nights on the island, 11% more than a year earlier.
Cruise visitors increased by 24% on last year to 20,110, although that was still 57% below the 2023 total. Twenty-two ships called, with two more cancelled because of the weather.
Including cruise passengers, 139,774 visitors came to the island during the quarter.
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