Tourism in Jersey
Tourism is a significant part ofJersey's economy, although its relative importance has declined over the years.
History[edit]
Jersey saw a boom in tourism during the post-World War II years,[1]but its history of tourism dates back much further. This boom has been winding down since the late-1980s.[2]Many of the larger hotels, which were constructed during the boom, have now been demolished.
During theCOVID-19 pandemic,Jersey experienced a successful tourism season in 2021 as UK visitors viewed the island as a safe travel destination during a period of uncertainty over international travel, with 'unusually high' bookings in October. However, that same year the island experienced a lack of hospitality staff, making business challenging for enterprises in the sector.[3]
Economic statistics[edit]
Hospitality (hotels, restaurants and bars) made up 4.2% of Jersey's GVA in 2019.[4]It is estimated that the wider contribution of tourism in particular is 8.3% (2017).[5]Tourism is important for Jersey's taxation, making £12.5 million in GST (15% of the total). However, total spend is much higher, around £250 million. This creates 6,470 jobs.[6]
In 2017, the total number of visits increased by 5% to 726,800, of which 580,000 were considered "Holiday visits". The total number of visitors has declined since 1997. In 1997, Jersey had 985,000 visitors.[7]Jersey tends to attract visitors from an older demographic than average, with the average age of UK leisure visitors being 57.[5]
Travel to Jersey is very seasonal. Accommodation occupancy is much higher in the summer months, especially August, than in the winter months (with a low in November).[5]The majority of visitors to the island arrive byairfrom the UK, however access is also possible by ferry. Air links to mainland Europe are not as good as those to the UK. There are calls from some, includingSt HelierConstableSimon Crowcroft,for the island to increase attractiveness tocruise liners,however this would require investment in a deep water berth, which the island currently lacks.[8]Air routes are subsidised by theStates of Jersey.[9]Exact figures for subsidies are not in the public domain.
Attractions[edit]
Mosttourist attractionsare operated by private companies andnonprofit organisations,including companies owned, or funded by the States of Jersey.Elizabeth Castle,for example, is controlled byJersey Heritage.Some other attractions are owned by theNational Trust for Jersey.One notable attraction isJersey Zooin Trinity, a wildlife park founded by conservationistGerald Durrell.
Hotels[edit]
Notable hotels include:
- the Pomme d'Or overlooking Liberation Square in St. Helier, which during the occupation served as the German Navy Headquarters[10]and from whose balcony the Liberation force raised the Union Flag on Liberation Day, 9 May 1945;
- the Hotel de France, formerly the Imperial and theJesuitcollege, in St. Saviour overlooking the town of St. Helier;
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Atlantic Hotel pool -
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References[edit]
- ^"Through the Years with Don and Eileen: The tourism boom of the 1950s and 60s".ITV News.2019-05-29.Retrieved2020-12-14.
- ^"A guidebook from the 1880s offers a fascinating insight into Jersey's tourism history".jerseyeveningpost.Retrieved2020-12-14.
- ^Morris, Michael."Business boom for tourism sector as travellers choose Jersey".jerseyeveningpost.Retrieved2021-08-28.
- ^"Government of Jersey: GVA 2019".gov.je.Retrieved2020-12-11.
- ^abcThe Economic Contribution of Tourism to JerseyTourism Economics,2017
- ^"Jersey Island Statistics & Demographic Facts 2020".Jersey Island Holidays.Retrieved2020-12-14.
- ^Tourism statisticsGovernment of Jersey[Accessed on: 14 December 2020]
- ^"Bring on the liners".Bailiwick Express.Retrieved2020-12-14.
- ^Airline subsidies[usurped]
- ^Hassall, Peter D. (1997).Night and Fog Prisoners(PDF).Jersey Heritage Trust.p. 63. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2007-09-28.Retrieved2007-09-19.