20 members of the French media will be brought over by Visit Guernsey this year to sample the island and hopefully rave about it.

The new air route between Guernsey and Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris launches on 1 April.

Aurigny says it has sold 65% of the seats for April and 40% between then and October.

Island FM has asked about sales from Paris into Guernsey but hasn't received an answer.

The 20 French journalists come from the traditional press and specialist magazines, while some are social media influencers.

Visit Guernsey is bringing them over to generate interest in the island from Parisians.

There's also a targeted marketing campaign including social media, digital display advertising, mail shots and a joint digital campaign with Aurigny.

The route is underwritten by the States, meaning that Economic Development will make up any shortfall in sales. Next year, that subsidy totals £391,000. Deputy Neil Inder is the committee president:

"Early sales, prior to the new route launching, tell a good news story. We expect sales will further increase in the months ahead but I’m confident these early numbers show the Committee’s decision to back this route was solid."

Aurigny's CEO Nico Bezuidenhout is also upbeat:

"Consumer response to the launch of our Paris services has been positive, with advance bookings for our first month of operations, in April 2024, standing at 65% and steadily improving as we get closer to the start of operations.

As with the establishment of any new regular route, we expect that a full season of operations would be required to more accurately judge sustainable year-round demand."

The service flies Mondays and Fridays, leaving Guernsey at 10.50am for the 1 hour 15 minute flight.