Jersey visitor numbers plummet compared to 2024 as business group raises concerns
The latest statistics from Visit Jersey show a 24% decrease in visitors across May, with 53,000 people travelling to the island - 17,000 fewer than during the same period last year.
This is mainly down to fewer overnight stays, although there were also 2,400 fewer day trips.
From January to May, 71,500 people came to Jersey for leisure, almost a quarter down on 2024.
However, there was more business travel with an extra 3,700 trips to Jersey.
Tim Crowley from the Jersey Chamber of Commerce says the overall trend is worrying.
He explains: "It is very concerning, and the concern now is that when we get into the winter, businesses rely on cash to get them through.
"All the markets are down, I know Ireland is down 10%, so we are seeing similarities but we are down more, and we have to ask ourselves why and what we can do about it."
Separate data from the Ports of Jersey also revealed a decline in the number of passengers travelling from Saint Malo.
In April, the number of passengers from the French city was 24% lower compared to the previous year.
In May, the decline was even more pronounced with a nearly 50% drop from 20,637 visitors in 2024, against 11,142 this year.
Speaking to ITV News, Visit Jersey points to data showing the average length of stay increasing in the island, as well as surveys showing people are more likely to recommend Jersey as a destination.
Operator DFDS took over the island's ferry service at the end of March 2025 and Chris Parker, Jersey Route Director, says: "DFDS remains committed to providing high-quality travel to Jersey, focusing on increasing visitors to the island and their customer experience.
"Since we launched our services in March, we have introduced day trips between Jersey and St Malo, providing more opportunities for islanders and visitors alike to explore and enjoy travel across the Channel.
"We have also launched our new inter-island service, strengthening Jersey's connection to Guernsey and ensuring there are convenient ways to travel between the two islands.
"We are working closely with Visit Jersey and other partners to promote Jersey as a destination; we have a joint campaign with Visit Jersey, which will run through the summer.
"We are also introducing new offers, including short break fares, which we are launching today."
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