Visit Jersey welcomed delegates from across the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands to the island from 9th to 11th October for Destination Jersey.
Destination Jersey is a three-day travel trade event filled with opportunities for networking, sales, and exploration of all there is to see and do in Jersey.
The theme of Destination Jersey 2023 was Changing perceptions, shaping the future and the event was attended by 50 off-island buyers and 70 local tourism and hospitality businesses, including a mix of first-time participants and repeat attendees. Seymour Hotels of Jersey, the island’s largest and longest established hotel group, were the headline sponsor.
Over the course of three days Visit Jersey showcased the unique experiences visitors can find in Jersey including food, wellness, outdoor adventure and beyond – and how the island is looking to the future.
Following a sunset welcome dinner at The Beach Club in St. Brelade’s Bay, attendees enjoyed an invigorating morning sea swim at Havre des Pas before a full day of networking. In addition to 1-1 meetings, the Networking Day included a presentation from Ports of Jersey CEO Matt Thomas on the future of the island’s ports, including the Harbour Master Plan, followed by a panel discussion with Visit Jersey, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Jersey Hospitality Association.
A gala dinner sponsored by Blue Islands was held at La Mare Wine Estate, including speeches by Visit Jersey CEO Tricia Warwick and Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport, and Culture, about the importance of Jersey’s visitor economy and optimism for the future.
Local cuisine, attractions, and entertainment were showcased throughout, including a day of group familiarisation trips with activities such as: visits to Jersey Heritage and National Trust for Jersey sites, a RIB trip with Jersey Seafaris, foraging with Wild Adventures, Jersey War Tunnels, an interactive experience at Jersey Zoo, guided tours with Jersey Uncovered, and a sampling of local food and drink at the Central Market, Faulkner Fisheries, The Yard, Channel Islands Liquor Co. and more.
Tricia Warwick, CEO of Visit Jersey, said: “The response to Destination Jersey 2023 has been hugely positive. The event is an important showcase of the island and a platform for Visit Jersey to enable connections between travel trade buyers and local industry. This year visiting partners from the UK and Europe have left the island feeling inspired, more connected, and with a fresh perspective on what Jersey has to offer.”
David Seymour, Managing Director of Seymour Hotels of Jersey, said: “It has been a real honour and pleasure for Seymour Hotels to be headline sponsor for the Destination Jersey workshop and to welcome so many delegates from across the UK and Europe to the Pomme d’Or Hotel. Our trade partners are integral to our success as a business and we were proud to be able to show off our beautiful island in all its glory. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with the trade and look forward to a successful season in 2024.”
Following Destination Jersey, a select number of delegates continued onwards to Guernsey for the Guernsey Trade Workshop.
Main picture: Credit: Jack Clayden for Visit Jersey
