Tuesday 06 March 2012
OFFICIAL Visitor Statistics released by the Commerce and Employment Department have confirmed that Guernsey's visitor economy performed very well in 2011 with a growth in staying leisure visitors, business travellers as well and an increase in the shorter day trip market.
Commerce and Employment Minister, Carla McNulty Bauer said "Guernsey can be very pleased with the results as presented. There was a 2.6% increase in the number of staying leisure visitors excluding those visiting friends and relatives. Importantly, Guernsey also saw an overall 9.6% increase in visitor departures, including inter-Island, by air and sea routes which plays a vital role in the long term viability of a range of air and sea connections".
The statistics also showed a 14.3% increase in staying business visitors, a 10.1% increase in French visitors and a 27% increase in German visitors. There was, however a 4% decrease in the number of Dutch visitors to the Islands though business through the seasonal charter from Rotterdam performed very well.
Director of Marketing and Tourism, Jason Moriarty said "I'm more than satisfied with these figures. The results are a testament to the energy, enthusiasm and inward development that I am seeing across the sector. It is genuinely well deserved". In the main, whilst smaller numbers, there was impressive growth in European markets which helped offset a fiercely competitive UK market in tough trading conditions.
The Marketing and Tourism team are moving into their heaviest "Visit Guernsey" promotional period ahead of the 2012 season and have commenced initial planning for 2013.
-ENDS-
