CONCERNS that Jersey’s hospitality industry has faced a challenging season so far this year – described as “the worst start in living memory” by one politician – were acknowledged during Tuesday’s sitting of the States Assembly.
St Clement Constable Marcus Troy made the comments while questioning Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, who subsequently said that he had been discussing the matter with Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel and that he hoped to meet with sector representatives.
Mr Troy asked if Deputy Farnham was “aware that the hospitality industry, in all its forms, has made the worst start to the season in living memory”.
Deputy Farnham replied: “I wouldn’t say it’s been the worst start in living memory, taking into account pandemics and other shocks to the economy since the Second World War, but I am aware it has been a difficult and challenging start.”
He continued: “We’re seeing a big change to booking patterns and, although visitor numbers and numbers of people travelling through the ports is quite encouraging, I am aware that there is a broader issue to address.
“I have been discussing the matter with the Economy Minister, and meetings with the industry’s body I hope can be arranged to discuss in further detail – but yes, the government is very aware of the challenges.”
Mr Troy also asked if Deputy Farnham was “prepared to meet urgently with the business leaders and Visit Britain to forge a way forward in order to avert a total disaster”.
Deputy Farnham answered: “I very much hope and believe we’re not facing a total disaster, but yes, the answer is we will arrange some urgent meetings and plan to do that as soon as this Assembly business is finished.”
At the start of this year, Visit Jersey chief executive Tricia Warwick said the organisation’s spring campaign – which was due to conclude at the end of last month – would use “the latest marketing tools and technologies available”, to help it target “both an older demographic that is more familiar with the Island and a slightly younger audience who may not have considered Jersey as a holiday destination”.
