Number of visitors from France rises by 19,000

Visit Guernsey said the number of ferry passengers from St Malo increased by 26% this year

The number of visitors to Guernsey from France has increased by more than 19,000 this year, tourist bosses have reported.

Visit Guernsey said between January and the end of September this year an extra 13,414 ferry passengers visited from St Malo - a rise of 26% compared to the same period last year - which contributed to a 2% increase in the number of international ferry passengers.

The data recorded for the period showed a total of 64,208 visitors from France arrived by ferry compared to 50,794 for the same period in 2023.

Flights from Paris, which started in April, brought 5,633 passengers to the island.

Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are due to be introduced next year, which will mean foreign nationals will need a passport to enter the Channel Islands - a decision some travel operators fear will deter visitors.

Currently, French day-trippers can visit Guernsey and Jersey using only identity cards under a scheme which is in place until the end of the 2025 summer season.

Visit Guernsey said France was now an established secondary market thanks to marketing, networking and trade shows it has undertaken in Paris and Normandy this year.

Zoe Gosling, who leads marketing for the States of Guernsey, said: "Intel shows that our French audience is looking for easily accessible destinations, sustainable travel, a strong wellness offering, a relaxed 'slower pace of life' attitude, off the beaten path destinations, history – all things that we can offer in spades."

Visit Guernsey added that is working on a marketing plan around a Norman route with Visit Britain, Visit Italy, Visit Norway and Visit Jersey.