au salon Nautique de Paris
Porte de Versailles
stand 1R80
du 4 au 12 décembre 2010

Située au large de la côte normande, l'île de Guernesey, véritable paradis de la
plaisance de 63 km2, incite aux balades contemplatives au gré de ses paysages où
l'on peut apprécier la nature et naviguer dans des îles merveilleuses. Endroit de
charme pour s'adonner à sa passion, les navigateurs s'emparent des eaux claires et
cristallines pour profiter d'un mélange de culture, de patrimoine et de traditions anglosaxonnes sans oublier une gastronomie savoureuse.

Une fois au coeur de la navigation des îles anglo-normandes, il est facile de
concevoir un itinéraire permettant de visiter toutes les îles où chacune des distances
n'excède pas plus d'une journée de mer.
Les conditions sont relativement simples et l'on peut facilement naviguer de nuit ce
qui permet de consacrer les soirées à des délices terrestres.

Les baillages de Guernesey comprend 4 îles : Aurigny, Sercq, Herm et Jethou.
Vous pourrez visiter l'héritage normand, les lieux insolites ainsi que les plaines et les
grandes étendues donnant sur l'Atlantique. Les skippers peuvent choisir de mouiller
dans une marina ultra moderne ou jeter l'encre dans une baie abritée et isolée. Ils
peuvent opter pour un quai de granit dans un petit port ou jouer à Robinson au large,
en plein milieu des rochers enchanteurs.

Saint Peter Port, le joyau de l'île de Guernesey est l'un des plus beaux mouillages
naturels de toutes les îles anglo-normandes. Avec ses flèches et ses tours qui
dominent le port et son château, la ville offre une vue saisissante à ceux qui se
présentent dans le jetée da la Marina Victoire. Celle-ci propose jusqu'à 250 places
pour les visiteurs. Les grands yachts peuvent être dirigés vers la Marina Albert ou la
Marina Queen Elizabeth II. Les approches de Saint Peter Port sont relativement
faciles avec un grand nombre de marques de jour comme de nuit.

L'île de Guernesey met à la disposition des amoureux de la nature
"Le Guide du plaisancier" présentant Guernesey et ses îles ainsi que le nécessaire
pour naviguer en toute sécurité vers les meilleurs mouillages de l'île. Les visiteurs
pourront profiter d'un taux de change favorable et le prix du fioul est très compétitif !

Et pour les amateurs de la célèbre course le Tour des Ports de la Manche, sachez
que l'année prochaine la régate, organisée par le Yacht-club de Granville, partira de
Guernesey dimanche 10 juillet 2011 ! 100 bateaux prendront part à cette édition.
Une réception sera organisée la veille à Crown Pier, dans la capitale Saint Peter
Port.

Cap sur Guernesey : une île qui incite à la découverte !
Venez la retrouver au Salon Nautique !

Renseignements sur www.visitguernsey.com

The world may be going crazy trying to guess where the next royal couple will spend their honeymoon – but if you are looking for some inspiration and the glitzy likes of Barbados, Dubai or Bali are not for you, there’s an idyllic option much closer to home.

Although they lie just off the coast of the continent, the Channel Islands of Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney remain British at heart – even though the French influence is hard to miss and the climate is much milder and warmer! Base yourself in Guernsey and embark on an island-hopping honeymoon with a real difference…

Guernsey: Quality all the way
If you have not been to Guernsey before, you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of upmarket boutique properties. Cosy up around the fireplace, spoil yourself with an intimate candlelit dinner at an award-winning restaurant and relax in the romantic luxury of your room – or you can take advantage of the weather and have a lazy day by the sea, choosing from 27 different stunning beaches and bays. From picture perfect scenery on one of the many cliff walks to the bustling harbour capital of St. Peter Port, it is amazing how much you can fit in - and discover - in 24 square miles!

Getting there: Direct flights operate from London Gatwick and Stansted year round, plus from nine UK regional airports; regular ferry services connect Guernsey with the south coast of England (Poole, Weymouth, Portsmouth).

Herm: A tiny island that’s never crowded
Only 20 minutes from Guernsey, Herm is the perfect escape from everyday life if you want to be alone with your partner: even in summer it never seems crowded! Just a mile and a half long by a mile wide, the island boasts long unspoilt beaches, hidden bays, sand dunes, rolling fields and cliff walks. Get off the ferry at Herm’s old jetty and start exploring – or simply relax on Shell Beach, so called because the sand is made up of millions of tiny shell fragments!

Getting there: By catamaran from Guernsey; daily departures, although timetables vary depending on time of year.

Sark: Step back in time
A visit to Sark truly feels like a step back in time: no cars, no tarmac, no noise. Take a horse-drawn carriage and explore with your loved one the beautiful landscapes and fascinating coastline of dramatic cliffs rising 350 feet above the sea. If you want to experience this total peace and tranquillity for a little longer, the island offers a wide range of accommodation, from hotels full of character to charming guest houses and even idyllic campsites…

Getting there: There is a daily ferry service from Guernsey and journey time is approximately 45 minutes.

Alderney: A haven of unspoilt countryside
Imagine a little island, less than four miles long, but with over 50 miles of walks and paths taking you across commons, beaches and along the cliffs. The capital St Anne is a village of colour-washed houses, cobbled streets and old-fashioned shops, and if you want to stay somewhere distinctive and memorable for your honeymoon, try the Mannez Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage – or The Hut on the quaint Burhou island, one mile off Alderney…

Getting there: Scheduled flights operate daily from Southampton and you can fly from all major UK airports that service Guernsey via an inter-island 15-minute flight; there is a weekly ferry service to and from Guernsey, Sark and Herm, while a high speed catamaran operates between Guernsey and Alderney from April to September.

For more information on Guernsey please visit www.visitguernsey.com
or call 01481 723 552

In our second edition of Guernsey News you will find information on the newest tourism experiences, the key events coming up, as well as…

• VisitGuernsey unveils results of YouGov research

• New campaign tells Marmite lovers to go to Guernsey

• The Liberation Chocolate Bar is here

• Newcastle, Edinburgh, Belfast: More flights to Guernsey

• More outdoors activities now on offer on the island

• John Nettles marks the 70th anniversary of Guernsey’s Nazi Occupation

WHAT’S NEW

VisitGuernsey unveils results of YouGov research

New research by YouGov on behalf of VisitGuernsey has unveiled a desire for quality individual experiences and destinations which offer a sense of discovering something authentic, suggesting that the ‘fly-and-flop’ package to a manufactured resort does not fit the bill anymore. According to the survey of 2,078 adults:

• Nearly two-thirds of UK holidaymakers want their break to be ‘unique and personal’, rather than a mass package experience

• A massive 81 per cent identified ‘being able to potter and explore at your own pace’ as one of the key appealing features of a holiday or short break

• On a scale of 1-10 in importance, 66 per cent rated having a unique and personal holiday as a ‘7’ or above

• Nearly half of respondents (48 per cent) rated ‘spending quality time with loved ones’ as a ‘10’ in importance; 80 per cent rated it as an ‘8’ or above

• Almost two thirds (64 per cent) rated ‘being able to choose from a range of activities’ as an appealing feature of their break

• Even more popular were ‘natural, unspoilt surroundings’, with 73 per cent of those surveyed rating them as a ‘7’ or above in importance

• Amusement arcades and theme parks were the big holiday turn-offs, appealing respectively to just eight and 14 per cent of those asked

• Hotel buffet breakfasts got the thumbs down too, with almost twice as many (43 per cent versus 23 per cent) preferring theirs freshly cooked to order

“Clearly, the message consumers are giving us is that a holiday or short break is more than just a product – it’s about reconnecting with family and friends, and that is why people want a very personalised experience,” said Chris Elliott, Director of Marketing and Tourism. “We believe that Guernsey, with its relaxed, genuine atmosphere, its personal touch and emphasis on quality, is uniquely placed to provide this.”

www.visitguernsey.com

New activities on offer:Anyone for bivouac camping? Or maybe stream walking?

Newly established Island Adventures is a new and exciting outdoor activities provider in Guernsey. Specialising in small groups, fully qualified and with 13 years of experience between them, the team have a real passion for sharing their experiences.

Unforgettable scenery can be enjoyed on many levels during each adventure, while Island Adventures’ fleet of equipment can be easily transported around the island, seeking out the most suitable location to accommodate the weather conditions and the individual needs of each group.

At the moment the following activities are available: bivouac camping, with practical experience of bushcraft camping and survival skills; stream walking up Guernsey’s picturesque south coast streams; kayaking around the island’s stunning coastline; and coasteering along the rocky shores.

Island Adventures is in the process of developing a ‘Rib and Rock Adventure’, using a Rigid Inflatable Boat to access unique areas of Guernsey for coasteering and scrambling adventures. www.islandadventures.gg

More Flybe services to Guernsey

Further to the already announced new service from Norwich, Flybe is launching three more new non-stop summer services to Guernsey, from Newcastle, Edinburgh and Belfast.

The services, which will operate for the summer period only, will be available twice weekly from Newcastle (on Tuesdays and Saturdays) and Belfast (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and three times a week from Edinburgh (on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).

With the addition of these flights, Guernsey will be connected with direct services with 13 airports in the UK (already with London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Plymouth). www.flybe.com

On sale for £7,600: Limited edition of the Channel Islands chess set

A limited edition of a unique chess set featuring famous Guernsey characters such as James de Sausmarez and Guernsey Goat has now gone on sale for £7,600.

An innovative project in the planning for years, the Channel Islands chess set reflects direct consumer input as to which characters would make the most interesting pieces. The board is partly made locally of blue-grey Guernsey granite, while the oak box is handmade by a local craftsman.

The exclusive numbered edition consists of 40 sets, with silver weight of 4.5 kilograms each. www.aurumjewellers.co.uk

LIBERATION DAY UPDATE

John Nettles marks the 70th anniversary of Guernsey’s Nazi Occupation

Guernsey will be in the spotlight in a new series that marks the 70th anniversary of the German invasion and occupation of the Channel Islands and premieres exclusively on Yesterday channel on 28 June.

Written and presented by John Nettles, The Channel Islands at War is an emotional examination of the German invasion and occupation of the Channel Islands and the lasting legacy it left on the islands.

From June 1940, when the Nazis arrived, until May 1945, the inhabitants of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands lived through five years of oppression, terror and near starvation, which have left an indelible scar still evident 70 years later.

John Nettles’ journey takes him to places that still bear witness to the war: he hears stories of courage, outrage and deprivation from those who lived through the jackbooted occupation, paying tribute to the ordinary people who trod a perilous path through an epic conflict.

www.visityesterday.co.uk

The Liberation Chocolate Bar is here

To celebrate 65 years of freedom, Ben Le Prevost Chocolates has created a special Liberation Bar, with the tag of an original Guernsey identity card.

The local chocolatier came up with the idea after coming across a photograph that shows a schoolboy receiving a chocolate bar from a British soldier, which is thought to have been taken in St Peter Port on 9 May 1945, the day that Guernsey was liberated from German occupation.

Proceeds from the sales of the Liberation Bar will be given to the Help for Heroes charity.

www.leprevostchocolates.com

Liberation Day website now live

A useful online tool has now gone live with everything you need to know about how Guernsey will celebrate the special 65th anniversary of the historic Liberation Day next month.

Katherine Jenkins may be helping to kick off the celebrations a few days early but it will actually be the weekend of Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May when most of the live entertainment, music, outdoor singing, dancing and eating is planned to take place – including Guernsey Sings – A Thousand Voices, which will bring together for the first time more than 1200 voices singing together in one huge performance.

This year’s anniversary theme is appropriately ‘Remember and Celebrate’, to remember the hardship that Guernsey men and women endured during the long years of the Occupation from 1940 to 1945 and to celebrate the priceless gift of freedom.

Leading up to the Liberation Day celebrations, the website has an extensive image library and is constantly updated with the latest information available on the various events taking places around the island.

www.guernseyliberationday.com

ONLINE NEWS

New campaign tells Marmite lovers to go to Guernsey

Love it or hate it, British yeast extract brand Marmite has launched a spoof election campaign featuring opposing ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ parties – and if the Hate Party has its way, Guernsey is to become ‘Marmiteland’, a designated Marmite eating zone!

A Marmite spokesperson has been quoted as saying that “Guernsey is a beautiful island and the holiday destination of choice of Love Party leader Fay Freely, making it an obvious target for The Hate Party in their quest to stop the spread of Marmite”.

Marmite’s links with Guernsey don’t end there: back in 2008, Guernsey-born artist Jeremy Fattorini was commissioned to make a Marmite coated replica sculpture of Rodin’s The Kiss for the brand’s ‘Love Marmite’ Valentines campaign.

VisitGuernsey has put together its own poll to find out what consumers think and already more than three quarters of voters (77 per cent) are suggesting “Yes, bring it on... Guernsey will become Marmite nirvana!” as opposed to 23 per cent who prefer “No!!! Banish Marmite from Guernsey forever....” www.visitguernsey.com/blog

Grub & Gastro:The very best of Guernsey’s food scene

A new venture called Grub & Gastro has been developed to showcase Guernsey’s food scene, which is evolving with great investment across a range of establishments and local food stores.

Both locals and visitors to the island can enjoy a highly diverse food industry, ranging from talented chefs, seasoned restaurateurs and a plethora of high quality venues to local produce, locally sourced sea food and a home-grown harvest.

At the heart of the Grub & Gastro concept is a highly interactive website: it profiles all areas of Guernsey’s food community, including: food news, events, industry updates, directory of local venues and cuisine, special offers and competitions, a blog and a food forum.

www.grubandgastro.co.uk

PUT IT IN THE DIARY!

Occupation: Behind Barbed Wire until Sunday 12 September

During the World War II, some 2,000 Channel Islanders were deported to prison camps in Germany. To occupy their time and to produce the comforts and necessities of life, the deportees applied themselves to arts and crafts. A range of objects and artworks will be on show, telling the story of enterprise during those dark years. The exhibition will be accompanied by educational and family activities. www.museum.guernsey.net

1st Guernsey Photography Festival NEW EVENT Monday 3 – Saturday 29 May

The inaugural Guernsey Photography Festival welcomes exhibitions by renowned international photographers Josef Koudelka (Invasion Prague 68), Simon Norfolk (Afghanistan), Judah Passow (Shattered Dreams) and Tim Hetherington (Liberia Retold and Sleeping Soldiers). It also features community activities, competitions and talks, as well as work by local photographers. Admission is free. www.guernseyphotographyfestival.com

Comedy Night – starring Lee Hurst Wednesday 9 June

For one night only, funnyman Lee Hurst will be on Guernsey – go and have a laugh… One of the newest events on the island’s busy calendar, the Guernsey Festival of Comedy lasts nine days of laughter and features visiting international comedians, comedy club nights, classic film comedy, as well as shows from the Edinburgh Festival. www.happyguernsey.com

Pants in the Park Sunday 20 June

Make a hero of yourself and wear your decorated pants ‘superman style’ over your trousers – Pants in the Park is back! The event aims to raise awareness about Prostate Cancer and includes 1km runs, raffle, games and entertainment for all the family at Saumarez Park… www.pantsinthepark.org

Guernsey Summer Seafood Thursday 1 July – Tuesday 31 August

A small island with a big and enduring passion for food, Guernsey celebrates throughout July and August its cosmopolitan seafaring heritage and bountiful sea. Come and try seafood freshly harvested and local culinary delicacies – restaurants offer special menus throughout the island! www.goodfoodguernsey.gg

Castle Nights in Guernsey Friday 16 July, Friday 23 July, Friday 30 July, Friday 6 August

Castle Nights are back for a series of four Friday evenings with free admission to the ancient Castle Cornet and a varied programme of musical entertainment. The evenings allow islanders and visitors alike to explore one of Guernsey's most famous historical sites whilst bringing along their picnics and enjoying some first class entertainment. www.visitguernsey.com

Sark Sheep Racing Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 July

An ever-popular two-day event: a day at the races, Sark fashion. Just like Ascot, even down to the hats, but here sheep are the stars rather than horses – which, complete with their teddy-bear jockeys, race over a set course! Unmissable fun for all the family! www.sark.info

Torteval Scarecrow Festival Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 August

This August the beautiful parish of Torteval, south west of Guernsey, will once again be taken over by a motley crew of scarecrows. Follow the trail and pick your favourite – they come in all shapes and sizes! – whilst taking in the natural beauty of the area. A great event for all the family that gets more and more popular every year. www.visitguernsey.com

For more information on visiting Guernsey please go to www.visitguernsey.com or call 01481 723 552

If you want to know about a destination – ask a local!

That’s the principle behind a new VisitGuernsey campaign, which is recruiting locals as ‘ambassadors’ for the island, sharing their own experiences with potential new visitors. The ‘ambassadors’ are being encouraged to pass on Love Guernsey cards to people they meet whilst on their travels in the UK and overseas, giving them a pocket-sized insight into Guernsey and why they love it so much:

~ Love the beaches: In Guernsey you can choose from 27 different stunning beaches and bays to picnic, sit back and relax – and even take to the water for swimming when the weather is good!

~ Love the nature: The island has more than 28 miles of spectacular clifftop paths to explore, while with a maximum speed limit of no more than 35mph, it is a delight to discover on two wheels too!

~ Love the people: If you are travelling to Guernsey, expect to meet some of the friendliest people you will ever chat to – smiling, cheerful and always happy to help.

~ Love the weather: Guernsey is geographically much closer to France than the UK and, with a warmer climate, there are plenty of opportunities to be outdoors.

~ Love the food: Menus suit all tastes and budgets with naturally a strong seafood element (freshly caught!), rich local dairy produce and, of course, the influence of France.

~ Love the events: From floral weeks to hiking festivals and from food feasts to open castle nights, Guernsey’s annual calendar is packed with wonderful fun events. This Friday, for example, the 13th Tennerfest starts and visitors to Guernsey can look forward to six weeks of great meals at fixed prices, starting from £10!

The credit card sized Love Guernsey cards unfold to show pictures of some of Guernsey’s key attractions and best features.  They also have a map showing the island’s location, and  -  most importantly  - contact details to gain more information.

Chris Elliott, Guernsey’s Marketing and Tourism Director, explained:
“Years ago, Guernsey people used to be able to take ‘Ambassador Packs’ with them when they travelled off-island. They were basically Guernsey brochures that they could give to friends and people they met, telling them about Guernsey. These cards are the modern equivalent. They’re small enough to pop into a pocket, but big enough to tell a little about the island and steer people in the right direction to find out more.”

Love Guernsey cards are available for potential ambassadors to pick up at Guernsey’s airport and St Peter Port harbour before they travel off-island.

For more information about Guernsey please visit www.visitguernsey.com
or call 01481 723 552

Formula One World Champion Jenson Button will soon be getting used to a slower pace of life after buying a home in Guernsey. The British driver, who regularly reaches speeds of more than 200 miles per hour on the track, and currently leads the Formula One drivers’ championship, will have to put the brakes on whenever he’s in residence on the tranquil Channel Island. Measuring six miles long and four miles wide, Guernsey has a speed limit of just 35 miles per hour on its roads - and 15 miles per hour on the Ruettes Tranquilles, a network of winding country lanes which give priority to walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. The island offers 28 miles of coastal and clifftop walking paths, 27 different beaches and bays to explore, and a vibrant, sophisticated capital in St Peter Port … but no motorways.

“Guernsey is a place to unwind and enjoy great food and wine, rich heritage and breathtaking coast and countryside,” said Jason Moriarty, Marketing Manager – Trade & Media for VisitGuernsey. “Our pace of life leaves time to appreciate everything the island has to offer - and it’s the perfect place for Jenson Button to take a break, relax and recharge his batteries.”

For more information on Guernsey please visit www.visitguernsey.com or call 01481 723 552

In 2010 51 cruise liners visited the Islands of Guernsey with over 44,000 passengers stepping ashore an increase in the previous year's total.  Many thanks to the lines for their continued support and to those visitors who disembarked onto our shores as part of a cruise itinerary. 

We hope you had an excellent time and will come back to visit us again soon.
The  St Peter Port Trails map  produced in English, German and French for the 2010 season, proved to be a valuable aide to our visitors many experiencing the  self guided walks around St Peter Port, and gave  a fascinating insight into the history of our beautiful capital town. The map is a welcome addition to the pocket guide to Guernsey .

To receive copies of the pocket guide in advance of your call, or a DVD and tourist information to assist you with port presentation, please contact us.

Alternatively you may wish to talk to one of the team to ensure your product knowledge and on-board fact sheets are as relevant as possible. We would be delighted to help and can call you at your convenience to discuss, please contact us

Guernsey will once again attend Seatrade Miami in March  as part of the Cruise Britain Pavilion and hope to meet many of you there.

In 2009 42,021 passengers landed in Guernsey, an average of 1,001 per ship.

The ten year rolling average of cruise liner arrivals is 62.8. There are currently 58 liners scheduled for a day port of call at Guernsey in 2010 and 8 and 7 smaller vessels will call at Sark and Alderney respectively.

Guernsey recently published the Cruise Liner Guide 2010 it is particularly designed to assist cruise executives and excursion agents please download the PDF below.

A selection of cruise images can be downloaded from the VisitGuernsey Image Library in high resolution by clicking here.

Looking for an early autumn break? Guernsey is only an hour’s flight from many UK airports, the weather is much warmer – and there are three major festivals coming up to help you enjoy the landscapes, colours and heritage of this idyllic island

FREE Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival 4 – 12 September 2010
Discover hidden paths and tracks and learn all about the history of Guernsey with the help of accredited guides. There’s the Victor Hugo Trail for the hikers, the St Peter Port Trail to visit the island’s ‘capital’, the Ruettes Tranquilles to see granite farmhouses and ancient churches, nature trails and coastal walks to experience Guernsey’s rugged shores… All walks take between two hours and half a day and are categorised into easy, medium and hard, so there’s something to suit walkers of all abilities. The Festival is open to both visitors and locals alike, and thanks to a rebate scheme you can experience all of your walks for free: each half-day walk costs £5 but if you complete five or more you get your money back!

The 5th International Victor Hugo Music Festival 20 –25 September 2010
Guernsey’s unique and charming character, drawn from its French and English influences, provides the backdrop to the Victor Hugo International Music Festival, which features a stellar line up of highly regarded international classical music acts. The biannual event takes its name from Guernsey’s best known resident of all time, Victor Hugo, who found respite here from his political foes for 15 years (some of the most productive of his life, including the publication of his great collection of poetry, Les Contemplations, the conclusion of Les Misérables, and the writing of Les Travailleurs de la Mer).

Guernsey Autumn Floral Festival Week 25 September – 3 October 2010
Guernsey has a rich floral heritage and a passion for all things horticultural. As the summer draws to an end and the autumn colours creep in, explore the wonderful shades of Guernsey, wander around country lanes and paths and enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Throughout the week, dozens of activities are planned for lovers of gardening, including tours around various open gardens, walks, lectures and workshops. People of all ages and abilities are invited to join in.

Guernsey is connected to the UK with direct services with 13 airports (London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands, Norwich, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Belfast, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Plymouth) and three ports (Poole, Weymouth and Portsmouth).

For more information on these events please visit www.visitguernsey.com
or call 01481 723 552

In our latest edition of Guernsey News you will find information on the newest tourism experiences, the key events coming up, as well as

• TV boosts Guernsey profile
• Jools Holland to bring Rhythm and Blues to Guernsey
• Google puts The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on the map
• Guernsey tourist numbers increase
• AA awards four stars to St Pierre Park
• VisitGuernsey launches online training scheme for agents
• Prestige Holidays adds Guernsey and sister islands for 2011

WHAT’S NEW

TV boosts Guernsey profile
Guernsey’s profile is growing thanks to a range of visits by TV crews in recent weeks.
Popular breakfast show GMTV travelled to the island in mid-July to film two destination-led segments, which also included a barbecue on Pembroke Beach at which popular chef Ainsley Harriott cooked up a feast using local Guernsey ingredients. The resulting films are due to be shown during August.
Food was also a key theme when BBC1’s Countryfile programme visited the island in July. Reporter James Wong undertook a gastronomic tour of Guernsey, visiting local artisan producers, collecting some of the island’s celebrated ‘hedge veg’ and catching up with local fishermen before turning his hand to traditional Guernsey recipes in a local kitchen. James’ adventures on the island are scheduled to appear this summer.
Another crew to visit the island came from More4’s The TV Book Club, who teamed up with a local reading group based at the Guille-Alles Library to review the novel Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan.  This episode of The TV Book Club is scheduled to appear this weekend (1 August) and will show the group discussing the novel at the Fermain Valley hotel, with local landscapes also showcased. 
F1 World Drivers’ Champion Jenson Button was filmed on various locations on the island by BBC training for the London Triathlon (7-8 August), while Guernsey was also featured prominently in the recent Yesterday series Channel Islands At War, fronted by John Nettles.
www.gm.tv
www.bbc.co.uk
www.channel4.com
www.uktv.co.uk

Jools Holland to bring Rhythm and Blues to Guernsey
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are preparing to entertain audiences in Guernsey.
Jools and his orchestra will take to the stage in the Sir John Loveridge Hall at Beau Sejour on 15 and 16 September, with very special guest star Soft Cell’s Marc Almond, as well as Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall as guest vocalists. He will also be joined by his former Squeeze colleague Gilson Lavis who is another founding member of the 20-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
The event is organised by promoter Things To Do Guernsey, who brought Katherine Jenkins to the island earlier this year.
www.thingstodoguernsey.com

Google puts The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on the map
Fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society can now visit the places described in the book following a specially designed Google Map.
The award-winning novel is set in the German Occupied island of Guernsey during and immediately after World War II and although the story is fiction, the places are real.
Available on http://bit.ly/cy3VVr, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Google Map features more than 30 locations described in the book, providing interesting facts.
In addition to The Guernsey Literary and Peel Pie Society, which has already received more than 25,000 views, VisitGuernsey has produced a selection of thematic Google Maps about the island (including the Official VisitGuernsey Map, Guernsey Restaurants and Guernsey Folklore), with two more under development (Guernsey Accommodation and Guernsey Bus Routes).
http://bit.ly/cy3VVr

HOLIDAY UPDATE
AA awards four stars to St Pierre Park
Guernsey’s iconic St Pierre Park hotel has been awarded a prestigious 4-star rating by the AA.

Set in acres of beautiful parkland and gardens on the outskirts of Guernsey’s capital St Peter Port, the St Pierre Park has recently been extensively refurbished in a multi million pound project, with all bedrooms and bathrooms upgraded to a contemporary, high standard.
The St Pierre Park is Guernsey's largest hotel, with 131 guest rooms and suites.
www.stpierrepark.co.uk

Prestige Holidays adds Guernsey and sister islands for 2011
Prestige Holidays is to introduce Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney into its 2011 brochure, which will be launched in October. The operator will sell all available sea and air routes to Guernsey.
Prestige will focus on the four-star market, with the Old Government House Hotel and Bella Luce among six Guernsey properties to be featured. The White House Hotel will be the featured option in Herm, while the Braye Beach is among four Alderney properties being offered. Up to four different Sark hotels will also be featured.
www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

Excellent water quality for five Guernsey beaches
The Channel Islands had the biggest increase in the MCS Recommended Beaches in this year’s Marine Conservation Society’s Good Beach Guide (62 per cent of beaches are MCS Recommended compared to 38% last year).
Guernsey has five recommended beaches: Cobo (an attractive mix of sand dunes and pink granite rocky headland with fortifications as well as great rock pools); L’Eree (a large bay offering panoramic views from the southern tip of Guernsey); Port Soif Bay (a horseshoe-shaped bay of fine dry sand and a favourite with families); Saint’s Bay (a beautiful sandy cove with a pebble bank at the top of the beach); and Vazon (a wide crescent of lovely clean sand which receives the sun from early morning until sunset, excellent for beach games and with good conditions for surfing).
www.goodbeachguide.co.uk

PUT IT IN THE DIARY!
Guernsey Summer Seafood
until Tuesday 31 August
A small island with a big and enduring passion for food, Guernsey celebrates throughout July and August its cosmopolitan seafaring heritage and bountiful sea. Come and try seafood freshly harvested and local culinary delicacies – restaurants offer special menus throughout the island!
www.goodfoodguernsey.gg

Castle Nights in Guernsey
Friday 6 August
Castle Nights are back for a series of four Friday evenings with free admission to Castle Cornet and a varied programme of musical entertainment. The evenings allow islanders and visitors alike to explore one of Guernsey's most famous historical sites whilst bringing along their picnics and enjoying some first class entertainment.
www.visitguernsey.com

Torteval Scarecrow Festival
Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 August
This August the beautiful parish of Torteval, south west of Guernsey, will once again be taken over by a motley crew of scarecrows this year, created by dozens of locals. Starting at the Torteval Church, take in the natural beauty of the area and vote for your favourite at the end of the walk. From sailors to witches and from rags to straw, they come in all shapes, sizes and materials! A great event for all the family that gets more and more popular every year.
www.visitguernsey.com

Guernsey Marathon
Sunday 29 August
The course of the Guernsey Marathon - one of the 101 races to run before you die according to popular Run Abroad website - takes you along some of the island’s most picturesque roads and lanes. 2010 marks 101 years since the first Guernsey Marathon – but it is also 2500 years since that first marathon experience: it was in 490 BC that Athenian herald Pheidippides brought the news of the Greeks’ victory over the Persians at Marathon by running the 26 miles from the battlefield to Athens!
www.guernseymarathon.gg

Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival
Saturday 4 – Wednesday 15 September
Discover hidden paths and tracks and learn all about the history of Guernsey with the help of accredited guides. Victor Hugo Trail for the hikers, St Peter Port Trail to visit the capital, Ruettes Tranquilles to see granite farmhouses and ancient churches, nature trails and coastal walks to experience Guernsey’s rugged coast line…
www.visitguernsey.com

Battle of Britain Air Display and International Air Rally
Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 September
Extremely popular with locals and visitors alike, the annual Battle of Britain Air Display includes World War II aircraft, modern training aircraft and RAF fast jets and helicopters (with the RAF’s Red Arrows showing off for the finale their skilful synchronised formation flying), while the three-day Air Rally attracts aircraft from all over Europe. This year commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
www.guernseyaviationweek.org.gg

The 5th International Victor Hugo Music Festival
Monday 20 – Sunday 25 September
Guernsey’s unique and charming character, drawn from its French and English influences, provides the backdrop to the Victor Hugo International Music Festival. Taking its name from Guernsey’s best known resident of all time, the biannual event features a stellar line up of highly regarded international musicians.
www.vhfestival.com

Guernsey Autumn Floral Festival Week
Saturday 25 September – Sunday 3 October
Guernsey has a rich floral heritage and a passion for all things horticultural. As the summer draws to an end and the autumn colours creep in, explore the wonderful shades of Guernsey and enjoy its natural beauty – tours around various open gardens, walks, lectures and workshops will be on offer.
www.floralguernsey.gg

TRADE NEWS
Guernsey tourist numbers increase
Demand for Guernsey is booming even in the face of recession, ash clouds, the World Cup and economic uncertainty, according to the island’s Director of Marketing & Tourism Chris Elliott.
2009 was a very strong year for Guernsey tourism – according to the recently released visitor figures for January-December 2009 staying leisure visitors increased by 8.1 per cent, from 185,000 to 200,000.
VisitGuernsey has adopted similar marketing tactics this year to stimulate further growth, maintaining very close cooperation with the island’s tour operator partners and focusing on a media strategy which concentrates on its core customers (people aged 55+, living within 90 minutes of a departure point to Guernsey).
VisitGuernsey recently sent out its 100,000th brochure pack this year – a record since it started keeping statistics – while visits to the VisitGuernsey.com website are up by around 30 per cent year-on-year.
Arrivals by sea from the access ports of Poole, Weymouth and Portsmouth all show double digit increases in passenger numbers. Air access to Guernsey is from 13 UK airports, and while the Atlantic ash cloud in April resulted in a drop in airport arrivals of 16 per cent for that month, the recovery is very encouraging, with a potential to exceed 2009 figures by the end of the year.
www.visitguernsey.com

VisitGuernsey launches online training scheme for agents
VisitGuernsey’s first-ever online training scheme for travel agents is now live – with short breaks on the island waiting to be won!
Accessed via www.GuernseyTradeMedia.com/traveltrade, the scheme consists of two modules, the first focusing on Guernsey itself and the second showcasing its sister islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney. The Guernsey module provides information on the island’s ‘capital’ St Peter Port, tourist attractions and activities, the south coast cliffs, west coast beaches, history and heritage, Guernsey’s floral appeal, and gourmet Guernsey. The second module covers the key selling points of Herm, Sark and Alderney in turn.
Each module is followed by a test consisting of 20 multiple choice questions. Having passed, agents are able to print a display certificate identifying them as a Guernsey specialist. Also included is a ‘meet the team’ section which identifies key tourism marketing personnel and encourages agents to make contact.
Every two months, VisitGuernsey will be offering new agents completing the online training scheme the chance to win short breaks for two people with Premier Holidays and Preston Holidays. 
www.GuernseyTradeMedia.com/traveltrade

Flybe to launch new jet aircraft on Guernsey route
As of Spring 2011 travellers to Guernsey will be able to enjoy an upgraded service thanks to Flybe’s first new Embraer-175 jet aircraft. The decision marks the return of a jet service on the London Gatwick-Guernsey route. Flybe plans to offer up to eight flights a day from the island.
The Embraer 175 jet that will be used in the Guernsey service will be the first of 35 new aircrafts that Flybe has ordered from Embraer. It will offer comfortable 2x2 seating and a minimum of 30” legroom and is in line with Flybe’s strategy of investing in lower emission new technology aircraft.
www.flybe.com

For more information on visiting Guernsey please go
to www.visitguernsey.com or call 01481 723 552

Dans le golfe de Saintmalo, à quèlques bordées des rivages du Cotentin,l'île de Guernesey accueille les randonneurs amateurs d'une nature protégée par un microclimat et jalousement entretenue par les habitants.

Au printemps,il est agréable d'y flâner,guidé par le parfum des magnolias ou l'éclat des camélias.

 

Commerce and Employment Department has launched a new online VisitGuernsey communications strategy, which targets UK visitors as well as potential visitors from Europe and overseas via social media.

VisitGuernsey’s core strategy includes a branded blogging platform, Facebook page and Twitter feed. Supporting the three key areas are a Flickr photo-stream and YouTube channel.

Said Chris Elliott, Director of Marketing and Tourism: “The time is right to introduce an integrated social media strategy for both our loyal repeat visitor base as well as prospective first time visitors to the Island.

“Our new social media platforms allow us to be more accessible to our audience, and build relationships with them via the networks that they are already using. Key to our approach is of course enabling conversation and interaction, as well as providing stories, images and information that we think will resonate with people.

“Our social media strategy may also encourage interest from a new audience who may not be familiar with our classical PR and marketing work.

“A key focus for us will be to introduce people to Guernsey’s personality, its natural beauty, the people, quirks and history that make it a special place to visit. The Guernsey community is passionate about its Island and this is an opportunity for them to buy into what we are doing and share their hobbies and thoughts so that we can tell prospective visitors what a fantastic place Guernsey is”

For more information on Guernsey please visit www.visitguernsey.com or call 01481 723 552

Visit Guernsey social media links:

http://blog.visitguernsey.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Visit-Guernsey/265715432311?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/visitguernsey
http://www.flickr.com/photos/visitguernsey
http://www.youtube.com/visitguernsey