THE myth that the Island’s tourism industry is slowly dying needs to be stamped out, says the new president of the Jersey Hospitality Association.

Robyn Lapidus , chairman of Channel Hotels, took over the presidency last month and said that he and other industry professionals were becoming frustrated that there seemed to be an unfounded belief that the industry was ebbing away.

Mr Lapidus said that hoteliers who had invested in their premises had prospered and continued to be busy with high visitor numbers.

He added that it was true to say that the traditional months were harder, but he also said the season was extending.

As evidence that there is a still a great deal of confidence, Mr Lapidus pointed to the recently completed Huggler investment in The Club in Grenville Street.

On top of that, the Royal Yacht Group have started work to extend that hotel, Morvan Family Hotels have just bought the Royal Hotel in David Place and a new hotel is being built on the St Helier waterfront.