IN a recession, confidence is the name of the game. Lack of it reinforces the downward economic spiral. An injection of it can not only raise spirits, but also boost consumer activity, improve the lot of business and ultimately filter through into increased tax receipts, contributing to the general well-being of the community.

It is, unfortunately, difficult to keep confidence levels high when so much bad news is emerging on the commercial and financial fronts. But as Jersey Hospitality Association vice-president Malcolm Lewis says, the effort must be made. He has quite rightly advised his fellow hoteliers to accentuate the possible and, rather than moan about any decline in figures, sing the Island’s praises. And as Mr Lewis has pointed out, there are many praises to be sung and many features of Island life which should inspire not only hoteliers, but also the general population to be both proud and upbeat.

He drew attention to world-class events such as the Battle of Flowers and the International Air Display, both of which draw any people to the Island, but the list of attractions which can be mentioned just goes on and on.

From the tourist’s point of view, this is still a destination where fine food is the norm rather than the exception and where enthusiasts of one sort and another can indulge passions that range from walking to military history, and from bird-watching to sea angling.

Moreover, as the present Arts Centre exhibition reminds us, Jersey is one of Europe’s finest centres for surfing – something which we might take for granted but which is evident to any newcomer to the Island who looks on the vast and impressive expanse of St Ouen’s Bay.

Away from the beaches in the heart of St Helier, there is another feature of Island life which some Islanders either take for granted or even denigrate: the financial services industry. This, too, is world-class and is of enormous importance in the context of these recessionary times. Although it will not be immune to the outside influence of the global downturn, its sheer quality will retain the core business that will help us through these difficult conditions.

As Mr Lewis suggests, now is the time to shout about these and many other positives and to avoid, at all costs, talking ourselves deeper into troubles that are, at least in part, illusory.