THE Island’s visitor economy has faced “many headwinds” in recent years, according to the Economic Development Minister – who has said he is working “incredibly closely” with industry representatives to improve the situation.
Deputy Kirsten Morel made the comments after Deputy Karen Wilson asked whether the sector had “recovered and performed as expected” over the summer season following concerns raised earlier in the year.
Deputy Wilson also asked whether measures in place to attract visitors during the autumn shoulder months would “sustain the visitor economy into next year”.
“The visitor economy has faced many headwinds over the last four, five years,” Deputy Morel answered, citing Brexit, the Covid pandemic and structural price rises – such as increased wages – as some of the factors involved.
“On top of that, we are seeing consumer demand fall in jurisdictions that would normally feed business to Jersey in terms of visitor accommodation,” he continued.
“So in the sense that, has it been where I would like to be, the answer is a quite simple no.
“I would like to see more tourists come to Jersey than we have had.”
Deputy Morel also said that he was working “incredibly closely” with the Chamber of Commerce, Jersey Hospitality Association and Visit Jersey “to try to find ways to create that stronger base for the future”.
He noted £4 million in extra funding for Visit Jersey over this year and next year – as well as £2 million across the same period to help Ports of Jersey secure new air routes – as some of the measures being implemented.
