The Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Kirsten Morel, said: “The strategy for the Visitor Economy supports many of the objectives of the recently published Strategy for Sustainable Economic Development; it contributes in particular to the international element of our economy, enhances our resilience and provides balance to the economy, supports the connectivity which Islanders and businesses rely on, and enables us to promote and sell our culture with the world.” 

Further in the document there’s the suggestion that Jersey will look to develop its airport as a focal point for Jersey, and the entire Bailiwick of Guernsey. 

“Growing Jersey as a regional hub has the potential to impact tourism from neighbouring areas, grow inter-island travel and to be able to work more as ‘destination Channel Islands’ with the potential for greater international reach.” 

It follows the publication of the Ports Policy Framework late last year where Ports of Jersey identified a number of key areas for growing Jersey’s strategic air connectivity. 

One of which was to “position Jersey Airport as a regional Hub within the Channel Islands and Northern France”. 

It’s unclear whether this intention to develop Jersey’s airport as a CI hub has been discussed with the government of Guernsey.  

It comes as an Alderney politician calls for the route between Alderney and Jersey to be “unlocked”. 

Express reached out to the States of Guernsey for comment on the Strategy and were provided this statement from the Chair of the Tourism Management Board, Hannah Beacom:

"I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to comment on any specifics within Jersey’s strategy. We are currently focused on developing our tourism strategy, with this work progressing well. We’re on course to publish it in the first quarter of 2024 as planned.

"Speaking generally, we are open to working with Jersey on any areas where collaboration is possible and beneficial."