Jersey has the highest level of Covid-19 testing in Europe, and one of the lowest positivity rates, making it one of the continent’s most attractive tourist destinations, says Simon Soar of the Jersey Hospitality Association.
‘It’s there in black and white – Jersey’s testing programme is the best in Europe. It’s fantastic news for the island’s hospitality and tourism industries because it means we can offer visitors, and islanders, what they crave most right now and that’s confidence and security.
‘Jersey is one of the safest places to visit in Europe, that’s what the statistics say. We can use this data to show tourists that we take their safety seriously – it’s an incredible marketing tool for us. It’s one thing telling people we’re a safe place to holiday, but it’s better to be able to show them with numbers.
‘This pandemic had the potential to put an end to our tourism and hospitality industries. We’re still not out of the woods, by any stretch, but Jersey decided not to put the nail in the coffin of these industries. It recognised that they provide vital infrastructure and quality of living.
‘What Jersey has done is introduce an outstanding testing regime, which has allowed us to control the spread of the disease while opening for business. We’re learning to live alongside coronavirus, and it’s an approach that is working.’
