Calls for tourists to return “as soon as possible”

Monday 15 June 2020

Jersey’s main hospitality lobby group is calling for the island to allow tourists to return “as soon as possible”, warning that “businesses will close” if further action isn’t taken to stimulate the industry.

In a statement released this morning, Jersey Hospitality Association Head Simon Soar said that, while the easing of lockdown restrictions had been welcomed, “many businesses remain extremely concerned for the immediate future."

He continued: “Without a further change that would allow visitors from outside the island to come here, there remains the real possibility tourism businesses will close. 

“Even with Islanders now able to take ‘staycation’ breaks in Jersey, the industry remains in a dangerous position without the economic boost visitors will bring.” 

Pictured: JHA Head Simon Soar.

He went on to explain that the industry’s income is largely reliant on visitors from abroad, with 800,000 generating £280m for the island last year.

Moreover, he said that, if visitor-focused ventures are to shut, islanders themselves will be left with less choice.

“The hospitality industry provides huge benefits to the island, but it desperately needs visitors to come here once again if it is to survive. Without hospitality, Islanders will not be able to enjoy the fantastic meals, attractions, venues and activities that make living here great,” Mr Soar explained.

He later added: “Two thirds of the people that visit Jersey come from the UK and, with the right safeguards, we need to be offering them the chance to have a holiday in our beautiful island after months of lockdown.

“The Jersey Hospitality Association has welcomed the latest changes as part of the Safe Exit Strategy, but we are calling for inbound visitors to be allowed to come here as soon as possible and show that Jersey is open for business.”

Pictured: Last year, visitors spent £280m in Jersey.

The news comes as a new Tourism Recovery Task Force comprised of key industry figures has been set up to help the industry navigate and survive the challenges of the pandemic.

Among the group’s ideas to encourage tourism has been the establishment of a new ‘Stay Safe’ scheme, similar to Eat Safe.

Under such a scheme, businesses would be required to check themselves against a list of requirements ensuring that they are providing a safe and hygienic environment for clients.

If they meet the criteria, they will be eligible for an accreditation, and may be subject to spot checks by individuals trained by Environmental Health and the Health and Safety Inspectorate.

Pictured: Under the 'Stay Safe' scheme, establishments would be able to gain the quality mark if they meet a number of health and safety requirements.

But whether tourism can succeed will also depend on the success of attracting key airlines back to the island to link up with key destinations across the mainland.

Minutes of a recent Recovery Task Force meeting showed that Ports of Jersey officials were particularly targeting EasyJet and BA, and that their appetite was largely based on whether there would be a compulsory 14-day quarantine period for new arrivals.

A pilot test programme is underway at Jersey Airport, allowing those arriving from the lifeline flights from Gatwick and Southampton to take a PCR test on arrival.

If it returns a negative result, they will be allowed to avoid self-isolation.