THE Pontin’s site or farmland in St Martin could be the site of a new golf course designed by a sporting icon to boost the Island’s profile and attract visitors to Jersey, according to Deputy Alan Maclean.

The Assistant Economic Development Minister says a new 18-hole course designed by a golf legend like Jack Nicklaus or Seve Ballasteros would be a magnet for visitors.

Instead of marketing Jersey by promoting glorious weather and golden beaches, he says the Island should be working hard to offer more to potential visitors.

Deputy Maclean said: ‘It is a competitive world and it is especially competitive since low-cost airlines started flying from airports all over the UK to destinations around Europe for £10, £20 or £30 per time.

‘Sadly, a lot of our traditional markets are finding they can travel for further with guaranteed sunshine at a fraction of the price of coming to Jersey.

‘We cannot compete and we should not try and compete with that.

‘What we do need to do is concentrate on developing our own market and our own products, and reasons people will enjoy their visit to Jersey so much so that they will want to return, and recommend it to other people.

‘Golf courses are potentially an opportunity, providing we set our sites high enough.’