Following encouraging statistics from Visit Jersey and Ports of Jersey, the Jersey Hospitality Association has announced a significant increase in its own membership this year.
The association, which celebrated its 60thanniversary last year, says that is not only down to its own efforts to encourage businesses to join but also increased optimism combined with an acknowledgment that the industry is stronger if it speaks with a single voice.
Tourism and hospitality is growing after a well-publicised period of decline. According to figures published recently by Visit Jersey, 727,000 visited the Island in 2017, who collectively spent £250m.
And earlier this month, Ports of Jersey reported that 2.3 million passengers travelled through the Airport and Harbour last year, with the Airport having its busiest year since 2000, with 1.6 million people – the majority visiting the Island – passing through it.
The JHA – which represents all businesses involved in hospitality, from hotels and bars to food wholesalers and hire car companies – now has a membership of more than 150.
JHA President Fiona Kerley said: “Bringing the Ports of Jersey, Visit Jersey and JHA figures together, there is a definite upward trend and that is hugely encouraging. From our perspective, it is giving us new energy to provide training, set standards of terms and conditions and ensure that hospitality is a rewarding career for islanders.
“Of course, we are also fully aware of the threats to our recovery, including ill-considered laws and regulation, and potentially damaging labour restrictions while we still face uncertainty over Brexit. Underlining this all, of course, is the fact that we all enjoy the benefits of our industry, from taking our children to an attraction to enjoying a drink and meal in a bar or restaurant.”
