Published on January 7, 2026

The tourism body of Jersey has launched a range of new travel offers, including discounted hotel stays, flights, and ferry services, after visitor numbers declined significantly last year. A new campaign from Visit Jersey aims to reverse the decline in tourism to the island by making it more accessible and appealing for travelers, particularly from the UK.
The island’s tourist industry experienced a severe decline in the number of visitors last year, as figures indicated that only 424,400 people came to Jersey in the year to October. This means a drop by almost 93,000 visitors from the same period in the previous year. In its determination to regain interest in the destination, Jersey’s tourism authorities are striving to offer attractive travel packages and a more comprehensive promotional campaign to attract fresh visitors.
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Special Offers and Promotions to Boost Visitor Numbers
To kickstart the recovery, Visit Jersey has launched a dedicated web page where potential visitors can explore a variety of special offers on hotels, flights, and ferry services. The goal of these promotions is to increase tourism by making Jersey a more affordable and accessible destination for travelers, particularly those from the UK.
The tourism body has also ramped up advertising efforts across major UK platforms, including the London Underground, to reach a wider audience. With many of Jersey’s visitors typically hailing from the UK, these targeted campaigns aim to reignite interest in the island and persuade travelers to book their next vacation there. The promotional push highlights Jersey as a “tiny island bursting with experiences,” emphasizing the diversity of attractions available, from its stunning beaches to its historical landmarks and vibrant cultural scene.
Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive of Visit Jersey, shared that the new advertisement campaign has already achieved notable success. According to Warwick, the campaign has been viewed more than 16 million times, and there has been a noticeable increase in online searches for the island. These early signs suggest that interest in Jersey is starting to pick up, and the promotions are beginning to resonate with potential visitors.
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The Role of TV Drama “Bergerac” in Boosting Jersey’s Appeal
Tourism officials believe that the reboot of the popular TV drama Bergerac, which is set in Jersey, is also playing a significant role in reigniting interest in the island. The show, which returned to screens in early 2025 following a substantial £1 million investment in government support, has proven to be an influential factor in attracting visitors to Jersey.
A survey conducted by Visit Jersey found that over 8% of recent visitors to the island cited the return of Bergerac as one of the reasons for their trip. The drama’s connection to Jersey’s beautiful landscapes, quaint villages, and iconic sights has long been a draw for fans of the show. With its successful return, many viewers are now eager to experience Jersey in person and explore the locations featured in the show.
This resurgence of interest due to the TV series highlights the significant role that media and pop culture can play in shaping tourism trends. Jersey’s tourism body is capitalizing on the show’s popularity, tying in its promotions to attract fans of Bergerac and turning their passion for the drama into real-world visits.
Support from Local Businesses
Jersey’s local businesses have welcomed the new push from Visit Jersey, as they understand the importance of tourism to the island’s economy. Businesses in the hospitality, retail, and transport sectors are especially invested in the recovery of tourism and are eager to see an increase in visitor numbers.
Josh Dearing, who operates boat tours through Seafaris, shared that around half of his customers are tourists. He expressed optimism about the new offers, stating that the deals would be “very beneficial” for local businesses like his. The increase in tourists would help support and grow their operations, providing a much-needed economic boost for companies that rely heavily on seasonal trade.
The Jersey Chamber of Commerce also supports the initiative, believing that partnerships between airlines, ferry operators, and local businesses are crucial for driving the island’s tourism recovery. The Chamber highlighted the introduction of new ferry routes, including services to Amsterdam, as a key factor that could drive future growth in passenger numbers. These routes open up Jersey to a broader European market and present the opportunity for a more diverse range of tourists to visit the island, contributing to the overall revival of Jersey’s tourism industry.
The Need for Businesses to Take Proactive Action
While Visit Jersey’s promotional campaign is seen as a positive step, there are calls for local businesses to take a more proactive role in supporting the island’s tourism recovery. Christopher Peach, manager of the Radisson hotel in Jersey, emphasized the importance of local businesses playing an active role in the revival efforts. He pointed out that while Visit Jersey’s initiatives are valuable, the recovery cannot rely solely on the tourism body’s actions.
Peach stressed that businesses, especially those in the hospitality and service sectors, must continue to innovate, provide excellent customer service, and create unique experiences that encourage tourists to return. The collaboration between Visit Jersey and local businesses is key, and business owners are urged to take the initiative and ensure that their services meet the expectations of travelers. This joint effort will help to solidify Jersey’s place as a top destination for both repeat and first-time visitors.
The Impact on Jersey’s Tourism and Local Economy
Jersey’s strategic move to offer discounted travel deals is expected to have a significant positive impact on its tourism industry. The reduced prices for hotels, flights, and ferry services will make the island more attractive to tourists, helping to reverse the recent decline in visitor numbers. In addition, the promotion of Jersey as a “bursting-with-experiences” destination is designed to increase visitor interest, showcasing the island’s diverse offerings and helping to position Jersey as a vibrant travel hub in the UK and Europe.
The focus on promoting local culture, heritage, and experiences is particularly important for attracting a new generation of tourists who are looking for more than just traditional beach holidays. Jersey’s rich history, cultural festivals, natural beauty, and diverse activities make it an ideal destination for a wide range of travelers.
Increased tourism would have a ripple effect on the local economy, boosting various sectors such as hospitality, retail, transport, and entertainment. The growth of the tourism sector would create new jobs, support local businesses, and help improve the overall economic outlook for Jersey.
A Bright Future for Jersey’s Tourism
The arrival of new holiday packages and marketing initiatives launched by Visit Jersey signals a major revival for the island in the aftermath of the decline in tourist visits last year. By offering the best holiday packages, showcasing the exclusive experiences of the island, including the popularity of the Bergerac series, it seems like the island is preparing itself for a nécessaire visit from people of the UK and other parts of the world. With the help of the island businesses and marketing initiatives, it seems like the tourist sector of the island is going to flourish.
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