2015: A golden year for events-led tourism

Today, details of two major Island festivals – Jersey Live and a new literary festival – have been announced, featuring some of the biggest names in the arts.

Brit Award-winning drum and bass band Rudimental have been confirmed as one of the headline acts at Jersey Live, with other acts including chart topper George Ezra and 90s favourites Cast.

Meanwhile, it is hoped that the literary festival, called Connections, which will include talks from poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy and world-famous writers, will become a permanent fixture in the events calendar and grow to rival some of the biggest book festivals in Britain.

Hotels and guest houses are already enjoying a sharp rise in bookings ahead of other major events, including the NatWest Island Games and the 70th anniversary of Liberation Day.

The summer season of events has also been boosted by the return of the Folklore Festival, which is to be headlined by 90s band James.

Today, Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham said the festivals and shows could provide a platform for events-led tourism to come to the forefront of the industry, as well as providing a boost for the tourism sector.

He said: ‘This year, with events like Liberation 70, the NatWest Island Games and the festivals we have, people are beginning to realise the importance of events-led tourism.

‘This could be one of Jersey’s best ever years for events and festivals. I am delighted that we have so much going on and I would like to see Jersey become the Island for events.

‘The literary festival has great potential and we also have the return of the seniors pro-am golf tournament, so there is a great mix. We are not taking anything for granted but I know the hospitality sector will be ready for these events and forward bookings are well up on last year.’

Senator Farnham also stressed the importance of capitalising on what is already in place.

He said: ‘It is important that we identify future opportunities and make the most of what is in store this year. Visit Jersey is being launched on Monday and they will be leading the charge for future events.

‘I hope this year will be the catalyst for events-led tourism to be at the forefront of the tourism industry. Jersey is perfectly placed to be an Island known for its events and festivals.’

Meanwhile, Ian Barnes, president of the Jersey Hospitality Association, said that the packed schedule can only be good for the Island’s tourism industry.

He said: ‘The more people that we can get in to the Island for events, the more ambassadors for Jersey we have. Those people will tell others about the Island.

‘Anything that brings people to Jersey is great. Bookings are already up from last year and the additional events will help massively.

‘If you start building on that now, then confidence increases in the industry, which is good for the economy as a whole.’

FOR months, headlines have been dominated by the need to make savings across the public sector, the controversial Jersey International Finance District and revelations at the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.

Media attention has quite rightly informed and stimulated heated public debate about these issues and many more which are crucial to the future wellbeing of the Island.

At times, there has been little in the way of light relief that has provided an opportunity to celebrate the cultural and fun-loving side of the community.

With the clocks going forward tomorrow night, it is time to come up for air and look forward to a fantastic year of cultural, sporting and anniversary events.

The announcement today of some of the top acts for Jersey Live will further whet appetites for a great summer of music following the naming of the headliners for Folklore, Jersey Live’s little brother which is back this year in June after a three-year absence.

Today also sees the launch of another exciting addition to the Island’s cultural calendar, Connections, a festival of words which will bring some big names of the literary world to the Island.

On top of all that, we can look forward to the 70th anniversary celebrations of Liberation in May and the NatWest Island Games in June, as well as the annual Battle of Flowers and International Air Display.

Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham is right to talk about what should be a great year for event-led tourism, which should give Visit Jersey, the reincarnation of Jersey Tourism, a shot in the arm as it starts its work to promote Jersey to new and younger markets.

We must do all we can to help those organising these events, but that support does not have to mean throwing taxpayers’ cash at things which enjoy huge community goodwill, volunteer support and commercial sponsorship – and which should be capable of standing alone.

The organisers must not be wrapped up in red tape as they seek permissions to run their events or be stymied by short-sighted parochialism.

And last, but not least, Islanders need to get behind those who are trying to do something creative and putting on cultural events we can all enjoy.

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