Decline in the number of cruise ship passengers visiting Guernsey continues
In 2024, a further decrease in the number of cruise passengers visiting the island of Guernsey is expected. Compared to two thousand nineteen, when just over one hundred fifteen thousand tourists visited the island, this figure dropped to nearly seventy-eight thousand in two thousand twenty-two and to approximately seventy-nine and a half thousand in two thousand twenty-three. The forecast for this year is only a little over sixty thousand passengers, provided there are no cruise cancellations. As of July this year, more than twenty-six thousand tourists have visited the island.
The decline in tourist numbers is affecting local businesses that previously earned significant profits during the cruise season. The main reason for the decrease is the change in cruise routes, with companies opting for more popular destinations such as Lisbon and the Azores. However, local authorities hope for an improvement in 2025–2026, as bookings for those years already exceed this year's figures.
But Guernsey is actively working on attracting more tourists outside the peak summer months to compensate for the significant decrease in cruise visitors. The island's tourism board emphasizes that the so-called "shoulder" months—spring and autumn—are an excellent time to visit without large crowds. This allows tourists to enjoy Guernsey's unique cultural and historical attractions, such as Castle Cornet and scenic coastal routes. Local businesses are also promoting longer stays during this period, which helps support the local economy amidst declining cruise traffic.
Additionally, plans are being considered to expand the cruise pontoon at the port, which could help bring back major cruise operators, with recovery expected by the 2026 season. This upgrade is part of broader efforts to enhance Guernsey's appeal as a cruise destination while providing more comfortable travel conditions. These infrastructure improvements will address issues related to weather conditions, which have often impacted ferry and flight schedules in the past.
Given the forecasted further decline in the number of cruise tourists in 2024, Guernsey faces new challenges for the local economy. However, thanks to the active efforts of the tourism board and plans for infrastructure development, the island has the opportunity to attract visitors outside the peak season. Planned improvements at the port and the promotion of travel during the "shoulder" months could become key factors in restoring tourist flows in the coming years. Local authorities hope that these measures will provide stability and enhance Guernsey’s appeal as a tourist destination in the future.