Economic consultants Oxera say the Island is now too expensive to appeal to a mass market and offers nothing different from a host of cheaper destinations.
The consultants warn that, although the tourism industry benefits Island residents – particularly in terms of transport links – and could be a useful insurance policy if the finance industry declined, resources directed towards tourism will inevitably take away resources from financial services.
The 48-page assessment of tourism’s competitiveness and implications for government has been produced as part of the consultation process for the States economic growth plan.
Members of the tourism industry were today invited to a workshop organised by the States economic adviser’s office.
In the past year a number of local hoteliers have invested or pledged to invest millions of pounds to upgrade their premises.
A number of new accommodation options are to be included in the new waterfront complex and only last week Jersey resident David Crossland pledged up to £45 million towards a waterfront horticultural visitor attraction and self-catering complex.
