Tourism in the Channel Islands is facing a crisis as delays in awarding the next ferry operator contract leave the future of travel uncertain.
Business groups including Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) have called for an “immediate” decision, warning that the lack of clarity could drive tourists to “go elsewhere.”
The current ferry contract, operated by Condor Ferries, ends in March 2025 and the new operator is expected to hold the contract for the next 15 years.
While the bidding process started in May, the final decision, initially expected by the end of September, has been delayed and with the lack of a concrete decision, panicked travel bosses are starting to get impatient.
According to a joint statement, the delay has created an “unsettling” situation for ferry staff, local tourism operators and other businesses.
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Christophe Mathieu, the CEO of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, has voiced concerns about the impact on tourism, saying: “We worry that those considering a holiday in these beautiful destinations will simply go elsewhere.”
He also mentioned that ferry bookings for 2025 have been affected with many travellers hesitating to plan trips due to the uncertainty surrounding transport.
Marcus Calvani of the JHA echoed these concerns, adding: “Confidence is what is critical for our industry right now.”
He also highlighted that local hospitality businesses are already under strain and the delay in transport planning makes it harder to focus on growth.
“Our members are seeing a downturn in bookings,” he said, adding that it’s “not a great time for us to be delaying this process any further.”
Guernsey’s Chamber of Commerce also stressed the importance of a timely decision, saying that local businesses need “clarity to make informed plans and investments” for the year ahead.
They urged all parties involved to “prioritise this matter” for the benefit of the local economy.
Hannah Beacom from Guernsey’s Tourism Management Board described the situation as “extremely frustrating,” pointing out that timetables for the next season have not been published, which means prospective visitors cannot book ferry travel.
“It effectively means currently we’re closed for business,” she added.
The delay stems from the complexity of the decision, according to Deputy Kirsten Morel, Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development.
He said the government is taking the time to make an “extremely important and complex commercial decision” to ensure “a reliable and resilient ferry service” for the islands in the years to come.