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An ambitious programme of festivals, events and conferences is being planned to support tourism through the quiet autumn months.
The new Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham says that the success of events such as Jersey Live and the opportunity posed by the Island Games and Liberation anniversary next year show that the time is right to step up event-led tourism to Jersey.
And Senator Farnham – a former head of the Jersey Hospitality Association – says that event-led tourism, such as sporting events, or festivals celebrating literature, film or food are the best way to support the industry during the quiet months.
He said: “I want to make Jersey the top festivals, events, sports, conference and arts island of the British Isles. I want us to become synonymous with great events on a year-round basis. I want to be clear that I anticipate that by the end of my first term, we will have a significantly stronger programme of events, festivals and conferences.
“We can bring a significant amount of visitors to Jersey in the ‘shoulder months’ by choosing the right festivals and events. We are a small island, but it’s not unrealistic to have that ambition. We do not have millions of pounds to throw at this, we’ve got to be prudent about it and we are going to do our very best to make sure that we get good value for money.”
A shake-up of ministerial roles means that sport and culture now come under the remit of the Economic Development Minister, and Senator Farnham has appointed St Brelade Constable Steve Pallett as his assistant minister responsible for sport, and Deputy Murray Norton as his assistant minister responsible for arts and culture.
Senator Farnham also wants to see if there is any way to expand the “Forts and Folies” project that has opened up historic sites to short-break lets. He signed off the project in his previous role as chairman of the Tourism Development Fund and says it’s one of the great unique opportunities that Jersey has to offer visitors.
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