JERSEY’S ability to attract more cruise liners is being explored by Jersey Harbours.

The department has set up a steering group called Cruise Jersey to address the potential of the Island as an attractive port of call.

Members include Jersey Harbours’ commercial director and marine operations manager, the States master pilot, representatives of Jersey Tourism, port agents, transportation providers, the Jersey Hospitality Association and an independent marine expert.

The group have already met to study the first part of a draft report which outlines a port and market study showing that a business case could be made for Jersey to invest in to attract more cruise vessels to the Island.

Myra Shacklady, Jersey Harbours’ commercial director, said: ‘Over the last 25 years the cruise industry
has emerged as a major tourism business, growing at an annual rate of eight per cent. Substantial cruise
traffic is sailing past the coast ofJersey. Indeed, Guernsey is now ranked as the third port of call in the British Isles.’

• Picture: Cruise liners like The World could be a regular sight in Island waters in the future. Picture by Richard Wainwright (00204620)