Jenny Mullin

Overnight leisure tourism in Jersey rose 13% year to date through June 2026 to 98,800 visitors, while June bed nights increased by 19,500 year on year to 220,500. Tourism leaders attribute the growth to late bookings, improved air and ferry connectivity, expanded Jet2 capacity, favorable weather and renewed interest generated by the television series Bergerac. DFDS reported particularly strong growth on its St Malo route, helped by a fare allowing French visitors to stay overnight, while hotels and restaurants also reported a strong season. Total visitor numbers were slightly lower overall because of a decline in summer business travel, but Visit Jersey said this was not a concern and expected business visits to recover in September.

Overnight leisure visits to Jersey rose 13% year on year to 98,800 in the first half of 2026, while June bed nights increased by 19,500 to 220,500. Tourism leaders attribute the growth to late bookings, improved air and ferry connectivity, favorable weather and renewed interest generated by the television series Bergerac. DFDS expects around 20% year-on-year growth on its St Malo route, helped by a new overnight fare, while hotels and local businesses report stronger seasons and more visitors from France and other European countries. Total visits declined modestly because of fewer summer business trips, but Visit Jersey does not consider this a concern.

A dermatology consultant in Jersey warns that inadequate use of sun protection is contributing to high local skin‑cancer rates, urging consistent application of SPF 30 or higher and avoidance of peak‑sun hours. A new sun‑safety campaign led by Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey and Public Health Jersey promotes applying sunscreen before going out, reapplying regularly and covering exposed skin. Residents interviewed shared differing attitudes toward sun‑cream use, highlighting misconceptions about tanning and immunity to sun damage. Health experts stress that even brief unprotected exposure can trigger harmful cellular changes and increase melanoma risk, particularly in those burned during childhood.

Only one of six Jersey applicants received a licence to catch bluefin tuna under the UK’s commercial quota, prompting frustration across the island’s fishing community. Industry representatives said the change from merit-based allocations to a lottery system undermined local needs, while officials argued the process was designed for larger UK vessels. The successful applicant welcomed the opportunity but highlighted financial risks and the limited number of permits. Jersey authorities and fishery experts said the island should eventually manage its own quota to tailor licensing to its fleet and support the long-term development of a sustainable tuna fishery.