Guernsey visitor numbers near pre-Covid levels

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 15:05

Stats for the second quarter of 2026 show 81,600 people visited Guernsey, only slightly lower than the 2019 figure.

The States of Guernsey say there is good news for the tourism industry and local economy - visitor numbers for the second quarter of this year are just below those seen before the pandemic.

Between April and June this year, 81,600 people visited Guernsey, excluding yacht and cruise visitors.

This is just 500 below the pre Covid level, which is seen as the benchmark for 'normal' tourism.

Day trip numbers are up nearly 25% on the previous year, and hotels were at 84% of capacity in June - that's 5% up on last year.

Visit Guernsey passenger surveys show an increasing number of departing tourists would recommend the island.

Marketing Manager for VisitGuernsey, Sam Claxton, says the uptick is welcome.

“We’re almost back at pre-Covid numbers of visitors to the island, which, given the global economic challenges since, is a remarkable achievement for Guernsey’s tourism sector.

"Day-trippers and longer-term visitor numbers are up, our hotels are seeing more rooms booked at this time of year, and there is a growing sense of
confidence across the industry that reflects a positive shift in demand for Guernsey as a destination.

"The publication of the Visitor Expenditure Survey provides further cause for optimism.

"Staying visitors are particularly valuable to the local economy, accounting for 92% of total visitor spending.

"As a result, the increase in staying visitor numbers is especially welcome.”