A welcome vote for tourism

A happy blend of beautiful beaches, an atmosphere unlike Britain’s but not intimidating for British holidaymakers, cheap travel and even cheaper alcohol and tobacco made the Island a very attractive destination.

However, the outstanding success and growth of financial services, coupled with low-cost holidays in more exotic

locations, have led to the relegation of tourism to secondary status. It remains a pillar of the economy, but its contribution is far less significant than was once the case.

In spite of this, it is difficult to conceive of a Jersey without a holiday sector – not only because of the industry’s place in our heritage but also because it continues to furnish much-needed revenue and is an important source of employment.

Fortunately, Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean is now showing signs of being prepared to increase the level of States support for tourism, describing himself as its political ‘champion’. Far from writing off holiday and hospitality business as an economic also-ran, he has pledged increased funding to boost the sector.

These funds, moreover, will be used in ways designed to create jobs for Islanders as well as for promotional activities such television advertising.

Traditionally, hospitality has been the domain of staff from outside the Island, but there is every reason why jobs in hotels, restaurants and bars should appeal to permanent residents – especially if those jobs are backed up by the sort of high-level training envisaged by Senator Maclean.

Importantly, there is a sense of urgency in the Senator’s plans. Courses will begin promptly to equip potential recruits to the sector with essential skills in time for next year’s summer season. This would make sense in any circumstances, but against the background of the present high rate of unemployment, it is little short of vital.

Meanwhile, just as the whole basis of Island tourism has changed since the heyday of bucket-and-spade holidays, the structure of tourism administration is on the verge of changing. Government will continue to play a central part in fostering the industry’s best interests, but through a promised new and bold initiative we can look forward to the greater involvement of the private sector, with a consequent injection of dynamism and business know-how.