Guernsey Ports passengers pass a million for first time since 2019

Figures have increased in the past few years after dropping due to the pandemic

The number of passengers travelling through Guernsey Ports has passed a million for the first time since 2019.

Figures from 2023 showed an 8% annual increase from 933,128 passenger movements in 2022 to just over one million last year.

It is hoped that the launch of direct flights to new destinations this year will make figures rise further.

Ports managing director Colin Le Ray said this year travellers from Guernsey would be "better connected".

He added: "Last year we saw growth in our international connectivity and that looks set to continue this year with the establishment of a direct Paris link for the first time in 15 years while those visiting the English capital will be able to fly into London City and London Stansted again from the end of March.

"Overall in 2024 travellers from the Bailiwick will be better connected than they were in 2019 with direct flights to a wider range of destinations and we hope that will stimulate further recovery while providing increasing choice for islanders."

'Complicated story'

Mr Le Ray said the annual increase in 2023 did not necessarily mean tourism numbers had improved.

"It's a complicated story," he said.

"We don't really register the difference between residents travelling and tourists travelling."

Andrew Kissick, the owner of Cycle and Surf in Alderney, said tourism to the island could be improved by upgrading harbour facilities.

"Alderney is difficult to get to," he said.

"We have a super harbour and we have no jetties. People coming to the harbour have to moor on a mooring buoy."