An increase of 4% in maritime travelers from the UK over the past month is reported as "encouraging" by the Transport Minister.

In the realm of Jersey's tourism industry, 2025 has been a year of mixed fortunes. Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel has expressed satisfaction with the year-on-year increase in passengers, despite a 16% decline in total visits to the Island between January and June 2025 compared to the same period last year.

One of the significant developments in 2025 was the introduction of ferry services by DFDS, replacing the problematic Condor Liberation that was introduced in 2015. Although DFDS faced some challenges in mobilising services in such a short span, the increase in passengers was 4%, offering a glimmer of hope amid less positive figures for tourism.

However, DFDS has faced infrastructure issues, such as lift access on Levante Jet and the delayed opening of duty-free shop. To address these concerns, DFDS has committed to a £2m annual marketing spend to promote routes to and from Jersey. This investment is expected to contribute to a stronger and better coordinated joint marketing effort between DFDS and Visit Jersey for 2026.

In a bid to further boost tourism, Deputy Morel has committed an additional £2m of funding in 2025 from the Better Business Support Package for Visit Jersey. This funding will be repeated in 2026 for Visit Jersey. Furthermore, Deputy Morel has also committed an additional £1m for air route development in 2025.

The minister has not forgotten the problematic introduction of Condor Liberation in 2015 and the subsequent decline in sea arrivals. The minister has highlighted these issues as a reminder of the need for careful planning and effective management in the tourism sector.

Another piece of good news amid the less positive figures for tourism is the increase in passengers sailing from the UK to Jersey via Portsmouth and Poole in August 2025 compared to August 2024. This trend is expected to continue, with DFDS limiting sailings to the conventional Stena Vinga this winter and only some fast services being available at Christmas and Easter.

Despite the challenges, the minister remains optimistic about the future of Jersey's tourism industry. The success of the industry will depend on the effective coordination between stakeholders, the provision of quality services, and the continued support of the government.

An increase of 4% in maritime travelers from the UK over the past month is reported as "encouraging" by the Transport Minister.