Brittany Ferries says that foot passenger bookings from St Malo are currently 136% higher than they were a year ago, with overall bookings from St Malo to Guernsey up 77%.

The major shareholder of Condor Ferries reported the increase for its “Channel Islands routes” this summer, saying combined UK and French bookings are up 16% year-on-year.

Express asked Brittany Ferries for the exact number of passengers this relates to, however the ferry firm couldn’t reveal that due to commercial sensitivity.

It did say that the average length of stay for these bookings has also grown, up to five nights.

The company says that is “a reflection of a growing trend among UK holidaymakers on package holidays to spend longer in the Bailiwick”. 

The company’s summer schedule will begin on 28 March 2025.

Pictured: A new tv advertisement was a collaboration between Brittany Ferries and Visit Guernsey, and aimed to reach into more households across the UK. There will also be a social media campaign taking place through February to bolster the launch of the advert.

Last Sunday, a new television advert debuted on ITV in the Meridian gegion during Dancing on Ice.

It’s part of a joint campaign between Brittany Ferries and VisitGuernsey hoping to reach 10million people across the UK.

Brittany Ferries’ Commercial Director said the new schedule and tv advert are both reaping positive results already.

“It is fantastic to see this improvement compared to last year and encouraging that the growth is consistent across the whole of this summer,” said Paul Acheson.

“We know that the new timetable, which is no longer influenced by Jersey, has been well received by customers, along with the additional sailings from St Malo. In partnership with VisitGuernsey, we are actively marketing the island in both the European and UK markets, as illustrated by the new TV commercial launched last week.”

Deputy Neil Inder, the President of the Committee for Economic Development, agreed it is all positive news.

“Brittany Ferries’ positive outlook for the summer season is welcome news and aligns with our own that 2025 will show strong growth for tourism, particularly with more visitors booked to travel across from France.

“We have a great offering for those visitors from our high-quality restaurants and hotels, our unique history and culture, and stunning natural beauty.”

Pictured: Deputy Neil Inder, met with regional and national French politicians in Saint-Malo, at the naming of new Brittany Ferries vessel MV Saint-Malo, at the beginning of February.

Meanwhile, ‘Brittany Ferries Breaks’, the tour operating business which launched in 2021 is also reporting an increase in bookings, saying they are 22% up compared to last year. 

Mr Acheson added that this points to a good tourist season this year.

“Through our tour company, we are also seeing more passengers opt for sea travel as part of their holiday experience. The anticipated rise in visitor numbers – along with longer stays – will deliver clear economic benefits, not just for Guernsey but for the wider Bailiwick.

“Whilst it is early in the year, we remain positive that these numbers leave plenty of room for optimism that 2025 will be a good season for everyone.”