Guernsey's natural beauty tops visitor survey

The natural beauty of Guernsey has been listed one of the primary reasons visitors come to the island, according to a recent survey.

The travel and visitor information report revealed over 80% of participants said it was the main attraction which encouraged them to visit.

The Nature Commission in Guernsey said it hoped to work with the States to encourage tourism growth as well as preserve nature.

Jessi Jennings, CEO of the Guernsey Nature Commission, said the preservation of the natural beauty in the island would contribute to its economic growth.

Jennings said: "Preserving the natural environment is really important and there is that balance between making sure that everybody can have access to the environment, to enjoy it, to connect with it, but also to reduce the disturbance on the natural environment."

Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said its goal was to "connect people with nature and to enhance the desire to care for it".

"Our committee provides £40,000 of grants every year through the Nature Commission to projects that benefit the environment and the local community.

"Previous grants have supported monitoring of marine mammals, restoring dune grassland and enhancing public spaces such as schools and churchyards, among many other projects that support our natural environment."

Deputy Lee Van Katwyk, tourism lead for the Committee for Economic Development, said: "Unequivocally, Guernsey's most valuable assets are its breathtaking natural landscapes.

"They need little to no enhancing but must be protected from urban creep at all costs.

"The Tourism Management Board are ever-aware of Guernsey's many strengths and will allocate grant funding accordingly."

Sam Claxton, marketing manager for Visit Guernsey, said: "Anyone can see the strong appeal of Guernsey's natural environment for potential visitors, and we're genuinely excited to be working with the Nature Commission.

"Their expertise and deep local knowledge will help us showcase the island's natural heritage and biodiversity more effectively."

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