The tourism industry has long been an important contributor to the Guernsey economy. Against a backdrop of a declining, yet once thriving, horticultural and agricultural industry, and the rise of the financial industry, tourism has remained a steady constant. It has provided not only wealth and employment for the Guernsey economy, but also a healthy and vibrant hospitality, accommodation and attractions offering which has benefited the leisure and business visitor and the local community of Guernsey.
Sector Size
- Whilst there is no precise mechanism which assesses the contribution tourism makes to the Guernsey economy, recent estimates value the direct contribution at around 2% of GDP, and the indirect contribution (by applying a multiplier effect) at over 4% of GDP. It is accepted, however, that tourism helps to support and sustain the critical air and sea links to the Island, providing much needed connectivity to the UK and Europe. It also ensures the breadth and quality of the Island's hospitality and attraction offering, not just for tourists but for the local and international business community and the Island's residents.
Guernsey Tourism Strategic Plan 2015-2025
- Marketing and Tourism, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce tourism and Hospitality sub-group, published in 2014 the Guernsey Tourism Strategic Plan 2015 - 2025. The plan included an objective to increase the number and value of visitors by 30% over the ten year period of the plan, and set out five objectives to help achieve this:
- Evaluate new and stronger route connections to the Island (UK and Europe);
- Strengthen the Island's product offering;
- Develop an exceptional visitor experience;
- Develop a positive environment for growth and investment; and
- Develop marketing and messaging that is consistent and compelling.
Cruise Liner Visits
- The contribution to the economy made by cruise liner visitors continues to increase, with over 110,000 cruise passengers coming ashore during 2017. Guernsey's reputation as a favourite port of call has been consistently endorsed and recognised by the leading cruise industry publication 'Cruise Critic'. During the last three years, Guernsey has twice received the Editor's Choice for the 'UK's top port of call' and the cruise passengers' choice of the 'Top 5 European Ports of Call'. Despite the uncertainty over the potential impact of Brexit, 105 ships and over 120,000 passengers are expected in 2018, and a total of 99 ships already confirmed for 2019. Investment in this day visitor market will continue, as will efforts to encourage cruise visitors to return to the Island for longer breaks.
