A surge in French visitors helped drive another strong summer for Guernsey tourism, with travellers more likely than ever to recommend the island to friends and family.
New figures show 119,664 visitors arrived by plane, ferry or yacht during the third quarter of 2026, up 7% on last year. Visitor numbers from France rose 21% year-on-year and are now 103% higher than three years ago.
Deputy Lee Van Katwyk, tourism lead for the Committee for Economic Development, said the growth in French visitors had been “phenomenal” and was something the island hoped to build on.
The number of overnight visitors reached 85,520, up 9% on last year, while day-trip numbers increased 4% to just over 22,500.
Leisure travel was up 11%, cruise visitor numbers rose 24%, and hotel occupancy was higher throughout July, August and September than during the same period in 2025.
But tourism leaders said one of the most encouraging figures was the island’s growing reputation among visitors.
Charlie Walker, co-chair of the Tourism Advisory Board, said Guernsey’s Net Promoter Score had risen to 78.
“Not only are people coming here, but they are enjoying our island’s beauty, friendliness and everything else so much that they are more likely than ever to recommend the island to others. It’s no surprise then that our number of returning visitors is up significantly.”
