A tourism group has criticized the idea of two separate ferry companies for the Channel Islands, deeming it unworkable. Guernsey has selected Brittany Ferries for its ferry service, while Jersey has yet to announce its decision. Stakeholders urge a quick resolution to prevent disruptions in tourism and to maintain service reliability.
The prospect of operating two separate ferry companies for the Channel Islands has been deemed “unworkable” by a local tourism group. Guernsey’s government announced the selection of Brittany Ferries as the preferred operator for its ferry services over the next 15 years, while Jersey is yet to determine whether it will choose Brittany or DFDS from Denmark. Simon De La Rue of the Guernsey Tourism Partnership emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the situation and urged the Jersey government to make a timely decision, as this ambiguity is impacting tourist bookings. Mr. De La Rue expressed that Guernsey aligning with a French-owned operator would facilitate the development of the Paris market. However, he voiced concerns about the challenges posed by two ferry operators servicing the islands, advocating for a swift resolution to the matter. The potential difficulties of cooperation between the two ferry companies were also noted, with economies of scale being a particular concern. Grant Miller, chairman of the UK-based travel agency Preston Holidays, criticized the delays in decision-making, asserting that the entire hospitality sector is suffering as a result. He stated, “The delays are affecting our business as it is the entire hospitality sector, with people not being able to book any further than March 2025,” underscoring the urgent need for clarity regarding ferry operators and their schedules. Hannah Beacom, chair of Guernsey’s Tourism Management Board, suggested that the selection of Brittany Ferries could signify that the island is now “open for business.” Nonetheless, she called for careful attention to service details, including timetables and reliability, and wishes to see a comprehensive service level agreement established. Ms. Beacom also highlighted potential complications if Jersey opts for a different ferry operator, particularly regarding interisland services which may not be highly profitable.
The recent ferry service developments in the Channel Islands have important implications for tourism and transportation between the islands. Guernsey’s government made a significant decision by endorsing Brittany Ferries as their preferred operator. However, the uncertainty surrounding Jersey’s choice has raised concerns among stakeholders in the tourism sector, particularly about the feasibility of two competing ferry services in a region that relies heavily on tourist traffic. Ensuring consistent and reliable ferry services is crucial for both local businesses and holidaymakers who depend on these links for travel.
In conclusion, while Guernsey has made a decisive choice in Brittany Ferries, the lack of clarity regarding Jersey’s ferry operator remains a pressing issue for the tourism industry. The potential for two separate ferry services may create unnecessary complications, making collaborations between operators challenging. Stakeholders emphasize the need for quick decisions and comprehensive agreements to enhance service reliability, ensuring that the Channel Islands remain an attractive destination for tourists.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
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