AGM and Visitor Economy Summit

Business leaders, politicians and government officials will be coming together next week to exchange knowledge, ideas and share solutions on how diversify our economy and grow the visitor economy at a summit organised by the JHA.

The Visitor Economy Summit will be an opportunity to engage leaders from all sectors of the economy and look ahead to the latest developments in global tourism. With addresses from the Chief Minister and Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, delegates will spend the morning discussing whether the Visitor Economy Strategy is moving forward, and whether the Future Economy Programme is leading the Island in the right direction. The panels of industry leaders from all pillars of our Island’s economy will discuss what is ‘good’ Jersey and how are we all going to get there.

Malcolm Lewis, Chair of the Jersey Hospitality Association, said: “These are difficult times for many people in this island but having a thriving business community is essential to support the quality of life we expect. Hospitality sits at the heart of Jersey and is vital for the success of other sectors. Without hospitality our quality of life suffers, so our industry provides some of those essential ingredients that make living in Jersey such a privilege. It’s time to understand that and to find ways that guarantee our economy is supported properly. That’s why we have assembled two panels to discuss current progress on developing the visitor economy and what future growth could look like.”

The afternoon will feature expert speakers from the world of tourism, travel and the virtual economy. Evelina Hederer, the Director of Business Development for Europe, Middle East & Asia at Expedia Group, Tom Jenkins (main picture), CEO of The European Tourism Association, Manila Di Giovanni, Founder & CEO of DWorld, the world’s first virtual economy and Corrine Kiabski, Former Communications Director for Tourism & Congresses, Government of Monaco.

Ana and Marcus Calvani, Co-CEO’s of the Jersey Hospitality Association, commented: “We have brought together a stella line up of experts whose combined knowledge of international tourism would be hard to match. This will be all about where the future opportunities of Jersey’s visitor economy can come from to benefit all of us in Jersey, whether it’s to visit your local pub or restaurant or to bring in visitors from around the world. It’s all about thinking big and making what may currently seem impossible, happen.

“Critical insights into online booking platforms and how they relate to what potential visitors can see about Jersey. Set jetting and foodie travel trends are one market that Jersey is focusing on, but we will also look at what is holding tourism destinations back and how governmental decisions can have unintended consequences. The virtual economy and VR and AR travel are also areas that we could be exploring and using to Jersey’s advantage. This is going to be an informative and thought-provoking day that’ll bring some of Jersey’s brightest business and political leaders together to take the island forward.”