Tourism businesses see 'great' start to season

Guernsey tourism businesses say they have had a "great" start to the season, with many seeing an increase in visitors from France.

There was a 47% increase in visitors in April compared to 2024, according to Deputy Neil Inder, president of the Economic Development Committee.

Tour guide Korinne Le Page said this is the first time she has seen her calendar look so busy.

Andy Furnace, owner of the Petit Train, said he has also seen a "positive" start to his season.

Last month Brittany Ferries started its new timetables for its Guernsey-only service.

Ms Le Page believes the better day-trip offering for French visitors has helped boost numbers.

"[Brittany Ferries] marketing has been very good and Visit Guernsey have been marketing as well, there's been a lot of work with Normandy and Brittany tour operators and I'm seeing more and more people making inquiries", she said.

Inder said the island was feeling "busier" than in previous years, and this was backed up by the numbers.

He said: "We've had 13,000 passenger movements over the Easter period and up to the end of October we are looking at about 63% up on last year."

The experience of Guernsey tourism businesses is in contrast to their counterparts in Jersey, who said they have had the "worst start to a tourist season ever."

Ferry company DFDS said it had 6,000 people travel to Jersey with them over Easter.

Inder said Guernsey "rightly" split from Jersey during the joint tender process for the new lifeline ferry contracts.

"We are entirely committed to Brittany Ferries, Guernsey is much loved in Brittany and St Malo and the French like loyalty", he said.

Anda Jones, manager of Cadeaux gift shop, said she has also seen an uptick in French customers, who have also helped her learn the language.

She said: "They also learn a bit of the patois, like A La Perchoine. Because I don't know French I asked some of the visitors to write a sign.

"I asked them 'how do you say welcome to our little shop' and they wrote it in French for me, so now I have a little sign outside."

Mr Furnace, the Petit Train owner, said he's feeling positive for the season ahead.

"We're looking forward to it, as long as the weather holds. We are looking forward to Liberation Day and we're optimistic, especially for the French trade coming over. That's expected to be high around August time."

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