Alderney has been rated the joint second best-kept travel secret in the world. (55573)
POSITIVE media coverage, a busy September and excellent weather have all helped Alderney buck the economic trend this year.
Practically the same number of people visited the island this summer as in 2008, while the figures for September alone show an increase in tourists of more than 600.
States marketing manager Joanna Parmentier is particularly happy with the year so far.
‘It’s really pleasing that we’ve managed to sustain visitor numbers, especially at a time when the recession is severely affecting the holiday trade.’
She believes interest in the island is at an all-time high.
‘The total number of brochure requests for 2009 to date is 8,214 – which is a record figure. In the same period last year only 2,063 were requested. If we receive another 1,705 requests by the end of the year, then we will have received more in 2009 than in the past four years together, which is quite incredible.’
Numerous campaigns, strategic advertising and a host of press articles have also helped propel interest in the island. So far in 2009 the island has been featured in the Sunday Telegraph and prestigious travel magazine Lonely Planet, which ranked Alderney and Sark as the joint second best-kept travel secrets in the world.
‘The brochure increases can be directly attributed to the highly successful direct mailing and online advertising campaigns that we have undertaken during 2009 and also the great media coverage we have received this year,’ said Joanna.
‘This is a good indicator that our message is being received and prompting interest in Alderney as a holiday destination.’
An action-packed September also helped the island’s hotels and restaurants prosper by prolonging the summer season.
‘Last month was great – we had so much going on and the weather was excellent considering the time of year,’ said Joanna.
‘There was the half marathon, hill climb, air races and senior golf open. We also had Andy Ward begin his record-breaking kite surf to Poole from the island.
‘I would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to organise these events. The time contributed and hard work put in is greatly appreciated, as the benefits to the tourism industry and local businesses are immeasurable.’
The Victor Hugo ferry incident also kept Joanna busy last month. Fifty-nine Guernsey-bound passengers were marooned in the island after their boat drifted onto rocks in Braye Harbour and it was left to her to organise accommodation for the unexpected guests.
‘It was a busy and at times stressful night, but we got everyone fed and watered before transporting them to their hotels and guesthouses for the night.
‘What could have been a potentially negative situation was turned into a positive one, with people commenting that they had been very well looked after and that nothing more could have been done for them.
‘One of the benefits of living in a small community is that when a situation such as this occurs, the community pulls together to help out.’
Article posted on 16th October, 2009 - 10.00am
Most Commented: