Tourism and cost of living key for St Helier South

The challenges facing Jersey's tourism industry and the cost of living were the main concerns of residents who spoke to the BBC at its third election roadshow.

The roadshows are visiting the different districts and asking islanders about their concerns with the latest in St Helier South, which ranked highest for households struggling to cope financially in the opinions and lifestyle survey.

Locals told the BBC that Havre des Pas used to be a main attraction in Jersey's tourist heyday but it was now in decline.

There was, however, some optimism that 2026 would be a better year for tourism compared to 2025.

John Morgan, who works in Liberation Square selling coach tours for Tantivy Blue Coach Tours, said how Havre des Pas was not what it used to be.

"Where we are now at this time of morning there would be people walking along the promenade here," he said.

"The hotels used to be full, there were throngs of people around here.

"As you can see, its quite quiet here at the moment and it has been for a long time."

The BBC spoke to John next to where the hotel De La Plage used to be, it has been converted into residential accommodation.

John said the closed down hotel was a symbol of how the tourist industry had decline.

He said: "Look at this hotel, the size of it. There's no people, no tourists here anymore. A lot of the guest houses here in Havre des Pas have vanished, hotels have closed around the island, we've lost thousands and thousands of beds over the last 20 years."

Last year was a particularly difficult year for tourism, with visitor numbers down leading to a £24m drop in visitor spend compared to 2024.

John said the change in ferry operator from Condor to DFDS was a contributing factor.

"We had a 60-year relationship with Condor and St Malo. Over those years we built up a good partnership. That disappeared overnight," he said.

"Those French visitors which fill the town up and fill the shops and restaurants, they've gone, they're all in Guernsey.

"I'd like to see a strong pricing policy to encourage the French visitors to come back to Jersey.

"The next government could sponsor the operator to reduce their prices by 20% and make that a good differential between going to Guernsey and coming to Jersey."

Fiona Kerley, the managing director of the Ommaroo hotel, said low consumer confidence in the UK had also impacted tourism.

She said: "I think it was confidence in the market. I think with the cost-of-living crisis, the media and the government in the UK was very depressed about the situation and it didn't help people wanting to book travel."

Fiona explained that issues with the ferry service were improving.

She said: "There seemed to be a bit more collaboration between the ferry operator and the booking agents, so hopefully that's all going to be better going forward."

St Helier South came highest in the opinions and lifestyle for households struggling financially.

Camilla Corbin said the cost of living was her biggest concern ahead of the election.

She said: "I think so many things are so expensive and what's really terrifying is the cost of housing, when you've got children, where are they going to live, everything is so expensive to buy and rent.

"Elderly care and child care is so expensive and difficult.

"I hope the new government can help."

The election will take place on Sunday 7 June and people can find the list of St Helier South candidates here.

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