CANDIDATES in next year’s election need to understand the importance of having a diverse economy, the Jersey Hospitality Association has said amid criticism of the Island’s tourism offering.
Earlier this week, the JEP published a letter from a long-time visitor to the Island who voiced her concern at the decline of Jersey as an appealing tourist destination.
Patricia Gray, who described herself as a loyal visitor to the Island since 1973, said that the “Island is starting to look unloved” and that many attractions that brought visitors to Jersey in their droves during the tourism boom of the 70s and 80s were now gone.
In response, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel recognised many of Miss Gray’s concerns and sought to reassure her, and Islanders, that tourism was high on his list of priorities.
And the Jersey Hospitality Association has called on those seeking election to “grasp the urgent need for diverse economic development”.
In a statement, the JHA acknowledged Miss Gray’s points stating that she is “right in so many ways” and that her letter should be seen as a “dent to our Island pride”.
“Without question, there is broad agreement with the points Mrs Gray raises. More concerning still is the reality that, behind the scenes, our industry faces a host of additional challenges, often invisible to visitors, that must be tackled daily,” the statement continued.
“With elections approaching next year, now is a critical moment to engage with those seeking public office. We stand ready to help candidates understand the role and importance of our industry, and how it is fundamental to both the Island’s economy and the wellbeing of our community.”
The JHA said those who fail to understand the economic importance of the Island’s tourism sector – and other industries – are “simply not electable”.
“If we, as voters, fail to help others understand this, we risk repeating the same mistakes,” the tourism body added. “Our industry, and others, cannot withstand more of the same. Now is the time for us to agree on the changes urgently needed, and for both the public and private sectors to support candidates committed to delivering those changes with real urgency.”
