Angling competition to boost Guernsey tourism

It is hoped the event will showcasing the high quality angling available in Guernsey

An international angling competition is set to be staged in Guernsey in November as part of a new tourism drive.

The Boatlife Angling Championship is supported by VisitGuernsey and the island Tourism Development Fund, with the aim of bringing more visitors to the Bailiwick.

Guernsey will host the finale of the livestreamed sporting event, following heats in Wales, the Isle of Wight and Plymouth.

The championship is expected to bring up to 150 competitors in brand-sponsored teams of six, their crew, and many more supporters to the island.

It will also feature shore fishing cup competitions for local anglers, with screens set up for spectators to watch the live action.

Mary Putra, States of Guernsey Director of Marketing and Communications said: "We’re delighted that Tourism Management Board funding has enabled Guernsey to host a leg of this prestigious angling event.

"It will give us huge exposure and a chance to show off our beautiful coast to the hundreds of thousands of followers of this event and the big-name event sponsors.

"Our waters are teeming with rich sea life and with angling only growing in popularity as a leisure activity and competitive sport, it’s a potential market for us to tap in to."

Event organisers say it will work to promote Guernsey as a world-class fishing destination to its leisure marine audience over the summer.

Director of Boatlife Events, Richard Dove said: "The championship is a way for us to put a spotlight on the angling sector and to grow this as a sport and get more people involved.

"Guernsey is really exciting for us. As a destination it's a beautiful island, but there is a diverse range of species to look for."

Sustainability and habitat protection will be a key part of the messaging around the event.

He said: "This is a catch and release tournament and I think it will help raise awareness around angling and how it takes place and best practices."

The event is one of nine receive investment from this year's Guernsey’s Tourism Development Fund, which provides one-off grants of £150,000.

Other sporting events included the Graniteman Weekender triathlon and the three-day British Isles DanceSport Championships.