Earlier this week Visit Jersey – which recently launched a new marketing campaign – reported a 50% increase in traffic to its website from UK residents who were looking for a safe holiday destination in Britain.
From 26 April, the Island will revert to a traffic-light system of risk ratings for UK regions, meaning that visitors from the increasing number of green regions in Britain will only need to isolate for around 12 hours while waiting for the result of their arrival test.
George Le Gallais, co-owner of Sunnyside Deckchairs in St Brelade’s Bay, said that over 70% of his revenue came from tourists.
‘During the week most Islanders are at work and so we rely on those on holiday to come down to the beach during the day to hire our equipment,’ he said.
His business runs from May until September and he is hopeful this summer will be a success.
‘I think that, with a lot of European countries struggling with their Covid situations, people from the UK will look closer to home this summer when choosing a holiday.
‘We need to make sure we are in the best position possible to allow tourists in so that businesses can make the most of the opportunity.
‘A lot of families see the Island as a safe and sunny option for a holiday and I think we will see more people coming over this year,’ he added.
Sean Kinsella, operations manager at Absolute Adventures, said the introduction of the Covid roadmap had given people the reassurance needed to book places on their summer courses.
‘We rely a lot on the school activities weeks and last year a lot of our bookings at the start of summer were deferred to this year or cancelled. However, we have had more commitment from a lot of our bookings this time around.’
The watersports and adventure centre has been running a children’s activity camp during the Easter holidays and Mr Kinsella said the weather had not been on their side.
‘The conditions have not been great, especially with Easter being a lot earlier this year, so we have not been as busy as usual. But it is great to see kids back in the water enjoying themselves,’ he said.
‘We rely on a mixture of local business and tourists and we’re optimistic this season will be a good one.’
Scott Donaldson, co-owner of Laneez Surf Centre in St Ouen’s Bay, said businesses would welcome tourists back to the Island this summer, while also making the most of the local staycation market.
‘A lot of people have got into surfing throughout the pandemic and, with many families staying at home this summer, parents will need to find things for their kids to do. This benefits us as we tend to get regular business from kids attending our summer camps,’ he said.
‘At the same time, we need tourists in as they make up a lot of the business we get for one-to-one lessons and hire equipment. It is important we get tourists into the Island this summer so businesses can benefit.’
Mr Donaldson said he had struggled to purchase new surf equipment for the school, something he needed owing to increased demand from consumers.
‘The equipment distributors have nothing left in stock because so many activity schools in the Island and the UK are anticipating a high level of business this summer.’
David Carter, who runs sailing and windsurfing courses for the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club, said the roadmap for easing Covid restrictions increased certainty as summer approached.
‘Last year it was really difficult to plan the courses as there was a degree of uncertainty heading into the summer.
‘Now we have an idea of what is going to happen, we are able to get ready for the summer and aim to run as many courses as possible.’
