Both local and UK-based experts have said that recent changes to Jersey’s marriage laws could have a marked effect on the Island’s tourism industry.
And they also predict that new regulations allowing open-air and humanist weddings could have an impact as well.
Visit Jersey chief executive Keith Beecham said: ‘Jersey has a rich heritage as being a place people come to get married. The recent change to the law means Jersey will soon be able to welcome same-
sex marriages, and this is great news.
‘We are keen to help people choose Jersey as a wedding destination and to fall in love with Jersey.
Couples are willing to travel for the right venue and around one in five of all UK weddings take place outside Britain.
‘Jersey, with our warm welcome, exceptional locations and atmosphere, can now supplement indoor wedding venues with outdoor ones. Add in the guests attending, and this potentially will provide a big cash boost to the visitor economy.’
The UK’s largest travel association also commented on the decision to legalise same-sex marriages in Jersey.
A spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents said: ‘There are still only a limited number of countries where same-sex marriage has been legalised, so this is a great opportunity for Jersey to market itself to the LGBT community.
‘There are a number of ABTA tour operators who specialise in wedding packages and I’m sure many would be interested in featuring Jersey as a destination.’
