APPLYING duty on fuel used by marine pleasure craft is another example of the States not supporting the tourism industry, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

The business-representing body believes the plan to strip away the benefit of tax-free fuel for boat owners shows a ‘lack of joined-up thinking’ by the States and the move will have a ‘significant negative impact’ on the industry in Jersey.

In its latest newsletter, the Chamber says it has ‘widespread concern’ over the idea, particularly as Guernsey is not proposing any changes to its marine fuel charges.

Kevin Keen , Chamber president, said in the newsletter: ‘At a time when Jersey is supposedly getting behind the tourism industry, it seems that there is a lack of joined-up thinking within government, when a scheme to raise an additional £666,000 in tax revenues is proposed in isolation with little or no thought as to the consequences of such action on future revenues generated from this sector.

‘This is seen by many as evidence that the government have yet to show any true commitment to supporting the tourism industry, which makes a significant contribution to the Island, not just in economic terms.’