FOR an island which, in global terms, is tiny and unknown to most of the planet’s inhabitants, we are pretty good at punching above our weight.
The grand plan to boost tourism numbers and turn around the ‘managed decline’ juggernaut is already paying dividends. Numbers are up. Awareness of the Jersey brand is increasing. And that push to embrace event-led tourism is happening around us.
Just last week, the air display saw hotels at near-full occupancy as visitors tied their late summer trip to the Island with a chance to see some aerial acrobatics. While this weekend, the Super League Triathlon is in town. Dozens of triathletes, including Olympians, will be swimming, cycling and running their way in and around the Elizabeth Marina. Locals and tourists will pack the fan zone. And the event will attract media coverage both here, across Europe, and around the world.
Not bad for a little rock in the middle of the sea.
In recent weeks, I’ve visited hotels, bars, cafés and restaurants in the island, and I’ve been struck by the warmth of the welcome wherever I’ve been, and by the buzz and vibrancy that exists, as summer turns to autumn.
One of the ambitions of the plan to attract a million visitors a year to Jersey by 2030 was to boost interest in the ‘shoulder months’ just before and after peak season.
It really does feel like that is happening, and the tourists I’ve nattered to seem to really like what Jersey has to offer.
I BUMPED into former JEP journalist and all-round super-human Anthony Lewis in town on Tuesday. It was the day after his intention to stand for Senator at next year’s general election was reported across the media.
You’ll probably know Ant’s story, thanks to the many reports on TV and radio and in this paper about his myriad sporting feats.
Speaking to him, in King Street, I was struck by his positivity and determination. At a time when there’s a fair amount of scepticism and cynicism about local politics, seeing someone whose glass is most definitely half full is something to celebrate.
Win, lose or draw come polling day, Ant’s enthusiasm and optimism will be a welcome addition to the campaign and, who knows, could prove to be a force for good in the House, too.
And, boy do we need it. Just days earlier I was chatting to a current politician about last week’s States debate. I observed that some of the speeches and the process of decision-making was like plaiting fog. The politician replied: ‘Never mind fog, the real problem is some of the ministers think they can walk on water.’ Ouch!
I WROTE, a fortnight ago, about why Pride matters. It was ahead of this year’s parade and celebrations in St Helier.
I was most amused to read the comments below the online version of this column – my favourite being: ‘Gary Burgess appears to be another person who wants to shove his sexuality down every-bodies [sic] throats. I’d understand a march if it had a political objective but there are none.’
Well, given the theme of this year’s Pride was equal marriage, and given news broke the day before Pride that the laws to enable equal marriage by the end of this year had been delayed, I’d say this year’s event had a purpose.
Fair play to those involved in getting this legislation enacted, from the Chief Minister down, for their swift apology for the delay and commitment to get it back on track as quickly as possible.
Declaration of interest: My wedding is booked for 31 March 2018. So if they can get it sorted by then, I’d be ever so grateful!
As for wanting to shove my sexuality anywhere… no thanks. I’m just pushing for a world where it doesn’t matter. Where it doesn’t inhibit your ability to marry who you love, to go on holiday where you want, and – for far too many people in far too many countries – risk you being persecuted, prosecuted and even murdered just for being you.
If only Pride had a purpose…
