Hospitality chief aims to ‘move on from 2025’

A leading figure in Jersey’s hospitality sector has urged the industry to move past recent travel setbacks, following months of disruption involving ferry operator DFDS and the sudden collapse of regional airline Blue Islands.

The Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) gathered business leaders on Tuesday for a trade lunch focused on the future of the island’s transport links and their impact on local tourism.

JHA president Malcolm Lewis acknowledged the challenges of the past year, describing it as “difficult”, but stressed the need for the sector to “draw a line under 2025” and shift its attention to rebuilding momentum in 2026.

The event was attended by Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel, along with DFDS Jersey Route Director Chris Parker.

Reviewing DFDS performance

Much of the discussion centred on the complications that emerged after DFDS took over Jersey’s ferry services. In August, the JHA wrote to the chief minister expressing growing concern over DFDS’s decision to suspend high-speed UK routes for the winter, saying confidence in the operator was waning.

Lewis said part of the sector’s struggles could be traced to these ferry issues, but added that the priority now was learning from the past year’s difficulties and working constructively with DFDS and the government.

Air travel optimism after Blue Islands collapse

The meeting took place against the backdrop of Blue Islands’ recent failure, which left Jersey facing uncertainty over key air routes. However, Lewis expressed confidence in the island’s aviation future.

Loganair quickly stepped in to provide temporary services and is in discussions to take on Blue Islands’ former routes permanently.

Lewis described Blue Islands’ financial situation as ultimately unsustainable, but praised Loganair as a “credible and highly respected airline with an excellent record for customer service and punctuality”.