VISITOR numbers at Jersey Heritage sites bounced back to pre-pandemic levels this year, with Elizabeth Castle its most popular attraction.
However, despite the recovery, the number of overseas visitors remains much lower than 2019 – although there has been an increase from 2021.
So far this year, Jersey Heritage sites have recorded 193,000 visitors – slightly more than the 191,000 at the same time in 2019.
Louise Downie, Jersey Heritage’s director of curation and experience, said: ‘It’s been such a busy summer season, our numbers are exceeding the same time of year in 2019, which is fantastic and a real testament to our staff and volunteers, and the Island’s incredible history.’
All the sites were busy during the summer and numbers were significantly up at Hamptonne Country Life Museum, where a new museum space is being created, Jersey Heritage said.
Strong support from local people is believed to be a key factor in the return of visitor numbers, according to the organisation.
Ms Downie said: ‘Our overseas visitor numbers are better than last year but still down compared to pre-Covid times – about half the number, which we understand reflects the industry as a whole.
‘The support from locals visiting our sites is still strong and the number of UK visitors has almost doubled compared to last year.’
Ms Downie added: ‘It’s usually either one of the castles vying for the top spot but, unlike Mont Orgueil, Elizabeth Castle can be affected by the weather and the ferries being unable to run.
‘It wasn’t much of a problem this summer and it is heartening to see the support for Elizabeth Castle at a time when we have plans to restore some of the historic buildings as we continue to invest in the visitor experience at this iconic fortress.’
A spokesperson from Visit Jersey said: ‘Heritage sites are a hugely important asset to Jersey’s tourism industry, providing opportunities for visitors and locals alike to experience the Island’s unique and multi-layered history year-round.’
