80% of Brits can't tell the Channel Islands and Caribbean apart... Can you?

Friday 30 June 2017

On a grey day of misery drizzle, islanders would be forgiven for wanting to escape the Rock for a day… But perhaps some will be convinced by the prospect of a sun-kissed staycation this summer, after it was revealed that nearly 80% of Brits can’t tell the difference between the Channel Islands and the Caribbean.

In a survey of more than 2,000 mainlanders, more than three quarters mistook the photographs of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark for the exotic likes of New Zealand, Portugal and Croatia.

Only 15% of 18 to 24-year-olds managed to successfully identify our sandy shores from tropical lands further afield. However, even the best island-spotting group – 45 to 54-year-olds – only registered a score of 25%.

Justin Amey, Head of Marketing at Condor Ferries, who commissioned the survey, said that he was “amazed” that less than a quarter of British people recognised the Channel Islands.

Pictured: Jersey and Jamaica... Hard to tell the difference.

“The results just go to prove that you don’t have to go a long way to enjoy a beautiful holiday destination. The Channel Islands are just right for people who want a break without the pain of a long haul flight," he commented.

“The Channel Islands are just a stone’s throw away from the UK mainland and are becoming increasingly popular as holiday makers opt for more accessible breaks, with no luggage restrictions, exchange rates and airports to worry about. The Channel Islands strike the perfect balance between offering an easy to get to destination and world-class scenery, with stunning beaches, fine food, walks and towns to discover." 

Visit Jersey CEO Keith Beecham said that he wasn’t surprised that some mistook the islands for the Caribbean:

“You’re never more than ten minutes from the sea in Jersey and with our award-winning beaches, the island offers visitors plenty to see and do. It’s not surprising we could be mistaken for the Caribbean! From family-friendly activities, water sports, beach cafés and seaside restaurants, and beach walks, Jersey is the island break - and far closer to home."

Video: Visit Jersey's 'Find Your Freedom in Jersey' campaign video.

Last year, Jersey saw its third consecutive year of welcoming more first-time holidaymakers to the island. Meanwhile, Condor helped over 130,000 reach the Channel Islands by ferry. Despite this, both companies are working hard to continue the upward trend and get more travellers to the islands than ever before.

“This survey shows that there are still many people living in the UK who aren’t aware of how stunningly beautiful the Channel Islands are, which is something we are working to change,” Mr Amey added.

“We would encourage anyone looking to book their summer holiday to consider Jersey or Guernsey, and they’ll see for themselves that you can feel like you’re in the Caribbean but still be on the doorstep of mainland UK.”

Quiz: Can you tell the Channel Islands from these tropical havens?