This Is Guernsey

By James Varley

THERE are signs that the island’s tourism industry is beginning to flourish.

In the last 12 months more than 8,600 brochures have been sent to potential visitors, while 57,000 unique users have logged on to Alderney Tourism’s new website.

Private aviation and sailing figures have also increased in the last year, while the number of commercial airline passengers fell by only a small amount – mainly because Blue Islands withdrew its direct route to Bournemouth.

States marketing manager Joanna Parmentier said 2009 was encouraging, all things considered.

‘Although the number of commercial airline passengers reduced last year, we have seen growth in other key areas,’ she said.

‘The figures therefore are particularly positive, especially as the global credit crunch was at its height during the year.’

Alderney’s harbour statistics have also made positive reading. The number of visiting yachts and crew increased by 6%, while sailing vessels increased by 23%.

‘These increases are a reflection of favourable weather conditions, a targeted marketing campaign, the encouraging exchange rate and the service provided by the harbour, including a much-improved Mainbrayce water taxi service for all visiting leisure vessels,’ she said.

‘I am also aware that when compared with the number of yachts visiting French ports we have achieved good figures for 2009.’

Joanna went on to say that she is also finding out why visitors are travelling to Alderney in the first place.

‘Statistics from our website show that people are most interested in walking, the island’s history and heritage, birds and photography.

‘This is a great help and shows us where we need to focus our advertising in 2010.’

She also outlined a new way of tracking the effectiveness of advertising from now on.

‘We’ve introduced a coding system in order to assess our adverts.

‘It basically means we’ll be able to track responses through our website to adverts placed in specific publications. This will show us which publications generate the most interest in the island.’

* Log on to www.visitalderney.com for further information.

Silver surfer Audrey Atterbury (pictured right) has become the oldest islander to pass a computer literacy course.

Audrey, 88, recently achieved top marks in her European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) exam at Alderney Flexi Centre.

Her teacher, Elaine Cathcart, heaped praise on her star pupil.

‘Audrey’s an inspiration. She has shown real determination to complete the course. I hope this encourages more people to get involved in IT.’

Audrey said she loves learning.

‘And I am so happy I have been able to continue. The ECDL was quite a challenge as the seven modules had to be completed in three years, but with Elaine’s help my brain has been kept working.’

The classes have enabled Audrey to socialise, as well as learn new skills.

‘I enjoy the classes because they have enabled me to meet people I would probably not otherwise have met, some of whom have become very good friends,’ she said. ‘I’m also hoping to go on learning in the future as new computers and programmes are developed.’

For more information on the Flexi Centre, call Elaine on 07781 416880.

Article posted on 5th February, 2010 - 10.00am