Tourism Development Fund Annual Report 2008

Tourism Development Fund

Annual Report 2008

Contents

Introduction .......................................................................................................................2 Background to the Tourism Development Fund .......................................................2 2008 in Focus ...................................................................................................................3 The Projects in Brief ........................................................................................................5 Status Report .................................................................................................................10 Income and Expenditure Account .............................................................................11

The Future ........................................................................................................................12

Message from        the Chairman

I am pleased to present our report on the activities of the Tourism Development Fund in 2008.

Tourism is a vital part of the Jersey economy and the Fund plays an important role in providing finance to non-profit organisations to assist in the further development of the sector. During 2008 there was an ever widening offering of events, activities and facilities for

our visitors and residents. The Fund made seven grants totalling £477,000 during the year. Some of the grants were small and unusual

but provided an essential kick-start which enabled the projects to be undertaken. Other grants added a dimension to give that much sought after high quality aspect or to provide an essential but perhaps unglamorous facility. In all instances we have sought to help attract tourists to the Island from new destinations and to assist in providing a broad and appealing mix of attractions and events. Tourism in Jersey is becoming ever more diversified and the work of the Fund reflects this diversity.

John King has served as Chairman of the Tourism Development Fund for the past three years. He has stepped down from the Board at the end of the year. The Board and the Tourism industry would like to thank him for his exceptionally hard work in organising and directing the Fund. The Board looks forward to carrying on his many accomplishments. We would also thank Kevin Lemasney and the many other staff members of the Economic Development Department for their excellent work in supporting the Fund during the year.

As always we welcome your comments and suggestions on the activities of the Tourism Development Fund

On behalf of the Board Peter C Funk

Introduction

In line with the terms of the Tourism Development Fund Approved Scheme, the 2008 Annual Report is hereby submitted to the States of Jersey.

To the 31 December 2008 there were 66 projects that had received, or were receiving assistance from the Fund. Seven new projects were approved for funding during the year and other applications are under consideration.

Background to the Fund

In December 2001 the States of Jersey agreed in principle that the sum of £10 million be set aside over the following five years for a new Tourism Development Fund set up to replace the old Tourism Investment Fund.

In 2003, £1,200,000 was transferred to the fund. In 2004 and 2005 no funds were transferred in to the Fund and in 2006 £1,000,000 was transferred to the fund. The Panel members remain concerned that to date so little of the agreed £10,000,000 has been transferred to the Fund. They are also of the opinion that if the terms of the scheme allowed them to award grants to private sector investors that they would receive projects with the capacity to have greater impact on visitor numbers.

With the arrival of Ministerial Government the old Sub-Committee was dissolved in December 2005 and in early 2006 the (then) Minister for Economic Development, Senator Philip Ozouf , invited John King to chair the new Panel.

Mike Graham (Les Ormes) and Lawrence Huggler (Club Hotel & Spa) were asked to continue as Panel members and Gerald Voisin (Voisins Department Store, former Deputy and Economic Development President) was invited to join the Panel. The Department

is represented at officer level by Chief Executive Mike King and Director of Tourism and Marketing David de Carteret. The Panel is supported at executive level by Kevin Lemasney, Economic Development.

During 2008 Gerald Voisin resigned from the Panel and Senator Alan Maclean asked the Department to advertise for new Panel Members. In December 2008 Peter Funk, Kristina Le Feuvre, Andy Cook and Melinda Isherwood were appointed to the Panel.

Note: In December 2008 John King announced his intention to step down from the Panel and in January 2009 Peter Funk was appointed Chairman in his place.

2008

The Panel met four times (9 April, 6 June, 5 September and 21 November) during the year. The Panel received updates on projects that had received funding since the inception of the scheme in 2002 and examined new applications.

Copies of the approved minutes of each of the Panel meeting were sent to the Economic Development Minister and the Treasury Minister and a Treasury Officer continues to monitor the TDF account. The minutes are also available on www.jersey.com/business

The Projects

On 31 December 2008 the following 66 projects had received or were receiving funding from the TDF.

2008

continued

The Projects in Brief

NZT106 & 138 - Art in the Frame The establishment of The Harbour Gallery in St Aubin

The Harbour Gallery continues to operate successfully. Many exhibitions have been held and classes have been organised for locals and tourists in line with the business plan. The Trust has now obtained additional space in which to expand and this will allow great opportunities to hold exhibitions, workshops and classes.

NZT107 - Jersey Conference Bureau The commissioning of a Feasibility study to explore the development of a

conference and events centre in Jersey.

The feasibility study was carried out by The Tourism Company and the findings were presented in May 2003. This project came in under budget and the report was used by a working group that looked at developing a conference & events centre at Fort Regent.

NZT108 - Jersey Revels Underwriting June 2004 event

The Panel has now closed the accounts for the Revels celebration and returned £65,000 to the Fund.

NZT109 - Gorey improvements Feasibility study to look at ways to enhance the Gorey area with particular

emphasis on the pier area

Work on this project is ongoing and the group is working with other local partners on improvements to the village of Gorey.

NZT110 - Beinv nue Hospitality training programme (managed by the Jersey Hospitality Association)

The three day training programme for employees in the hospitality sector continues to be popular with the industry.

 NZT111 - Airport Taskforce funding Subsidies for landing fees and marketing assistance

The £1 million set aside for this project (equal funding from TDF and the Finance and Economics Committee) has been used up. The final portion of the £300,000 set aside for joint marketing campaigns with the airlines was used to help support the 2006

 Spring into Summer marketing campaign.

NZT112 - Public Services Department Cycle pathway from the Gun-site CafØ to La Mielle car park

The Public Services department completed the new cycle path from the Gun-site CafØ to La Mielle car park and the project has been very well received by the public.

NZT113 - Parish of St Helier Cycle network

Stage 1 of the project was completed in autumn 2004. Evaluation work was carried out on Stage 2 during 2007 and the results were delivered in early 2008. The project is now closed and the remaining funds have been returned to the Fund.

NZT114 - Genuine Jersey Procurement of a branded vehicle and promotional stand

The Genuine Jersey Products Association has now procured a branded vehicle and promotion stand. Membership has grown and many local products are carrying the logo. The Association has attracted many new members and is creating a genuine awareness of local produce in the marketplace.

NZT115 - St Aubin s Traders & the Parish of St Brelade Improvements to St Aubin harbour area

Many improvements to the harbour area have been successfully carried out. In 2007 the ConnØtable of St Brelade (in association with the local Deputy ) started a consultation process with local residents, businesses and other interested parties. This process continued into 2008 with a report was delivered mid year.

NZT116 - Jersey Battle of Flowers Association The procurement of mobile toilets and crash barriers to satisfy

local safety and hygiene regulations

Eight mobile toilets and 200 crash barriers were procured and are stored and maintained by the JBoFA. The association continues to rent out the equipment at commercial rates thereby creating much needed additional revenue for the annual Battle of Flowers event.

MMaakkiinngg aa DDiiffffeerreennccee 5

NZT119 & 140 - Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust The provision of adequate and acceptable public conveniences

This grant has been used in a very creative way and the provision of Public Conveniences at Durrell has been increased and improved.

NZT121/139 National Trust for Jersey Design Brief and Feasibility study for Greve de Lecq Barracks

The study was completed in summer 2004 and the Trust applied for funding to develop the site. The Trust is now looking at alternate uses for the site and talks are ongoing.

NZT122 - Bouley Bay Enhancement Association - Enhancement of Bouley Bay

The Association has provided safer access to the sea for swimmers, developed an underwater nature trail, landscaped the mound and in general enhanced the area. The project was carried out with the help of the Public Services Department, the Harbours Department, the Men of the Trees Jersey Harbours and the Probation Service.

NZT123 - Jersey Heritage Trust Interpretative signs on select sites around the Island

The Trust has developed a scheme of [long life] branded interpretative signs placed at strategic sites around the Island.

NZT124 - Marie Antoine Trust Living with the enemy DVD

The Trust commissioned the making of the DVD Living with the Enemy which recorded Islanders experiences during the occupation of Jersey during WW2. The DVD was launched on schedule in time for the Liberation 60 celebrations in May 2005.

NZT125 - Pride of Jersey Trust Design Brief for a Schooner

Work has begun on creating a design brief and already sponsors have come forward with offers of help and support for the project.

NZT126 - Liberation 60 Panel Liberation 60 celebrations

This grant was divided into two parts - a direct grant of £26,000 to support the celebrations and an underwrite provision of £75,000 to secure events until local sponsors could be found to support them.

NZT127 - TWIGG Trust Feasibility study into the establishment of an Inspirational Garden attraction and

educational centre

The Trust commissioned a study into the feasibility of creating the project in Jersey but the Trust behind the project was disbanded as the project was not considered feasible.

NZT128 - The Band of the Island of Jersey Procurement of new uniforms

The £ for £ grant enabled the Band of the Island of Jersey to procure new uniforms in time for the Liberation 60 celebrations. The band also plays a leading role in the Battle of Flowers (at no cost to the organisers).

NZT129 & 136 - Environment & Public Services Committee Design Brief, Feasibility study and development

of a marine interpretation centre on Gorey Pier (Discovery Pier)

This project was driven by the Environment Department and received support from Jersey Harbours. Following the presentation of a business plan and design brief the project received approval and was open in time for the 2005 visitor season. The facility will also be very educational and will become a valuable resource for the Island.

NZT130 & 151 - ShopMobility St Helier Trust Procurement of Electric Wheelchairs for visitors to the Island

The Environment & Public Services Committee have given the Trust reserved places in the Sand Street Car Park and through local sponsorship and the contribution from the TDF, the Trust has procured over 20 wheelchairs (both electric and manual) for local residents and visitors to the Island. The Trust has since extended its service to visitors to Durrell Wildlife and assists at various local events.

NZT131 - St Helier Yacht Club Support for the Myth of Malham yacht race

The St Helier yacht Club staged this Fastnet qualifying race in May 2005 and welcomed over 100 participating yachts. The event is a biennial event and it is hoped that Jersey could become the home for the event in future years.

NZT133 - Jersey Clipper Committee Jersey Clipper promotion

The Clipper Committee secured private funding for the Clipper 2005/6 entry. The TDF grant helped the Committee to carry out some effective PR locally and to welcome other Clipper teams when they visited Jersey.

NZT134 - Jersey Premier Brass - Procurement of new equipment

This award winning band was given some assistance to procure some much needed equipment to help establish their identity.

NZT135 Jersey Tourism on behalf of the industry - Development of a new grading scheme

The former Jersey Sun Grading System dated back to the early 1940s. The UK tourism industry has harmonising its grading schemes and as Jersey depends on the UK market for over 80% of its visitors it was felt that the Island should follow suit. This grant enabled a complete audit of all accommodation to be carried out and the new scheme came into effect on 1 January 2007.

NZT137 - The Jersey Race Club - New facilities at Les Landes

The Jersey Race Club drew up plans for the development of new premises with a weighing room, changing rooms for the jockeys, a First Aid Room, equipment storage and public toilets. This project was delayed due to changes in the design and changes in the Race Club Committee but work began during the third quarter of 2006 and the building was completed in 2007. The official opening took place in May 2008.

NZT141 - Jersey Tourism - Christmas Winter Wonderland

Following the success of the 2004 Christmas Fte de Noue an even bigger festival was planned for 2005. This grant enabled the inclusion of an Ice Rink in the Winter Wonderland attraction at the Waterfront and provided added festival entertainment for visitors and residents over the holiday period.

NZT142 - Environment & Public Services (Planning Department) - Herd of Charing Cross Public Art

The series of public arts hanging in Charing Cross helped brighten up an area of St Helier. Private sector sponsorship was also forthcoming and the screens were very well received by the public.

NZT143 - Jersey Tourism - JerseyLive

JerseyLive 2006 was an even bigger success than the 2005 and 2004 event and promoted Jersey to a younger UK audience. Jersey Tourism and the TDF would like to see this event become an important annual event and is working closely with the organisers to promote the event in the UK.

NZT144 - Jersey Tourism - Under the Greenwood Tree

The Thomas Hardy adaptation was filmed from May to July in Hamptonne and other locations around the Island and went out on national television on Boxing Day 2005. While the novel is set in Dorset, Jersey provided a near perfect location for filming and Jersey of course received full credit for providing the location and some of the funding.

NZT145 Environment & Public Services - Services to the Five Mile Road

This project extended the present network of essential services such as electricity, mains drains and potable water to the Five Mile Road.

NZT148 Jersey Tourism & Jersey Harbours - Feasibility study into the Cruise Liner business

Jersey has a small market in the cruise line business but it is felt that the potential is there to grow the market. The growth will probably require investment in the Harbour infrastructure and therefore Jersey Tourism and Jersey Harbours would like to carry out a feasibility study into the potential market and the costs involved in developing a product for that market.

NZT149 Channel Islands Occupation Society Development of occupation sites

The Channel Islands Occupation Society will use the funds to open up additional occupation sites to the public. Interpretation panels will also be created.

NZT152 - Jersey Heritage Trust Coastal Forts & Fortifications Stage 1

This joint initiative between the Environment & Public Services Committee, Property Services, Jersey Tourism and Jersey Heritage Trust will see some of the Island s Coastal Forts and Fortifications renovated and made more accessible to the public. Most of the properties will be offered as self-catering apartments but some may be used for picnicking, etc.

NZT154 Jersey Community Relations Trust Live8

The Community Relations Trust organised a free link up with Live8 organisers from the Peoples Park in St Helier. The event was a great success with local residents and visitors feeling a part of the international event.

NZT156 Jersey Darts Club - International Darts Competition

The Jersey Darts Club revived the international event in 2006 and they hope to grow the event in the years to come.

NZT157 Education, Sport & Culture Le Ruban Granitier re-named the Tour de Bretagne

The Tour de Bretagne cycle race is a very famous race held in Brittany every year. Jersey was asked to hold the prologue to the event in April 2007. There was considerable French media interest in the event and the event brought many visitors to the Island.

NZT158 - Jersey Heritage Trust Coastal Forts & Fortifications Stage 2

This joint initiative between the Environment & Public Services Committee, Property Services, Jersey Tourism and Jersey Heritage Trust will see more of the Island s Coastal Forts and Fortifications renovated and made more accessible to the public. Most of the properties will be offered as self-catering apartments but some may be used for picnicking, etc.

NZT159 - Jersey Heritage Trust iPods audio guides for Heritage Sites

This initiative will provide visitors to five Jersey Heritage Sites with the opportunity to hire iPods with audio tours in English and French. Visitors will also be able to download the tours onto their own iPods from the Jersey Heritage Trust website.

NZT160 Durrell - Development of a Business Case for the development of the site

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has seen visitor numbers affected over recent years and needs to carry out a feasibility study into its future in Jersey. The Panel recognises that Durrell is an Anchor Attraction in Jersey and hopes that with this help the Trust will be able to develop a plan to enable it to have a bright future.

NZT147 Jersey Tourism/POSH/TT&S Procurement of a new ceiling of Lights for King and Queen Street

This joint project between Jersey Tourism, POSH, TT&S, WEB and Jersey Harbours helped provide St Helier with a beautiful joined up approach to Christmas lighting.

NZT165 Jersey Tourism - Pathways in the grounds of La Hague Manor

This development of pathways for visitors and locals in the grounds of La Hague Manor in St Peters Valley has allowed Jersey Tourism to add another piece to the jigsaw of attractive walks around the Island.

NZT167 Jersey Tourism/Environment Department - South West Pathways

This joint initiative between Jersey Tourism and the Environment Department has added new pathways along the South West coast to the rich network of walks around the Island.

NZT170 Durrell - Durrell image and brand development

In an effort to appeal to a wider audience Durrell developed and launched a new brand in 2006.

NZT178 Jersey Tourism - Imaginary Summer HD film

Jersey Tourism worked with a local film producer in this locally based film. Footage (in HD) will be used by Jersey Tourism.

NZT 180 Jersey Heritage Trust Feasibility of Elizabeth Castle

Visitor numbers to Elizabeth Castle have fallen over the years and the Jersey Heritage Trust would like to explore new ways in which the Castle could be used to increase revenue and allow for improvements to be made to the Castle. The report has outlined a number of ways in which the Trust could exploit the facility.

NZT 181 Jersey Tourism Jersey.com

Jersey Tourism has commissioned a complete overhaul of the jersey.com website. The new site went live during the first quarter of 2008.

NZT 183 Parish of St Helier/St Helier Community in Bloom Interpretive signs

The Parish of St Helier has had considerable success over the years in the Britain in Bloom competition. The St Helier Community in Bloom group would like to enhance the Harve de Pas area with a new planting scheme and would like to interpret the area with some branded signage.

NZT 122 Friends of Bouley Bay - Completion of pathways in Bouley Bay

This is the final piece of the work carried out by the Friends of Bouley Bay and reopens the coastal pathway going east from the Bay area.

NZT 184 The Bosdet Foundation - Services for the development of an Indian Forest

The Bosdet Foundation is prepared to allow an Adventure Park to be development in Sleepy Valley. The TDF funds allowed the Foundation to carry out some preparatory work and lay essential services in the valley.

NZT 185 - Economic Development/Jersey Tourism - New Routes Development

Economic Development, in association with Jersey Tourism and Jersey Airport, seek to stimulate new air routes. This fund will allow joint marketing to be carried out with airlines.

NZT 189 The Royal Jersey Horticulture & Agriculture Society - International Cheese Festival

The RJH&AS held an International Cheese Festival at their grounds in Trinity in May 2008. The festival brought visitors to the Island, helped promote local cheeses and other products and was very good for the image of Jersey.

NZT 194 Economic Development/Jersey Tourism/Tourism Development Fund Review of tax incentives for

the tourism industry

The Panel was of the belief that by creating a scheme that provides tax incentives to potential developers, new developments will take place in the industry. The report was delivered in 2008 and has been shared with the Treasury.

NZT 187 Green Tourism Initiatives

Having noted the success of the Green Business Scheme in the UK the Panel agreed to finance the launch of the scheme in Jersey. Many local attractions and hotels have obtained approval and others are working towards the standard.

NZT 153 Cycle Path from the Airport to Les Quennevais

The final piece of the cycle network linking St Peters with Les Quennevais was completed in 2008. This pathway now provides a safe route for residents (in particular school children) and visitors cyclists to enjoy.

NZT 196 Additional Marketing support for the Tourism Industry in the wake of the Historic Child Abuse inquiry

From February to April 2008 the National Media carried many stories on the Historic Child Abuse Inquiry and images of Haut de la Garenne. These stories came at a time when Jersey Tourism was advertising in the National Media in order to attract visitors to Jersey. The campaign was withdrawn and when the time was deemed right to go back into the market Jersey Tourism returned with an additional campaign.

NZT 197 Procurement of a Stage for events

Jersey Tourism helped procure a stage for local events. The stage is broken into different elements and comes with a roof covering. This stage can of course be used by the many event organisers of local events throughout the year.

NZT 242 Support for the marketing of ATP events

The annual events at Les Ormes have now been upgraded and the Panel felt that with additional marketing the event could attract even more participants and visitors.

NZT 244 Procurement of branded pavilions for local events

Jersey Tourism helped procure branded pavilions for local events. The pavilions will of course be used by the many event organisers of local events throughout the year.

NZT 246 Marketing support for the Jersey Boat Show 2009

Building on the success of the 2008 event the Panel felt that with additional off Island marketing the event could attract even more participants and visitors in 2009.

There are also a number of submissions under review and the executive officer is helping potential candidates with their applications.

Status Report as at 31st December 2008

Income & Expenditure Statement for the year ending 31st December 2008

Income 2008 2007

£ £

Notional Interest 88,171.16 109,652.70

88,171.16 109,652.70

Expenditure

Grants 673,371.68 641,156.44 Treasury Recharges 2,141.88 3,034.54

675,513.56 644,190.98 Surplus/Deficit for the year (587,342.40) (534,538.28)

Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2008

2008 2007

£ £

Current Assets

Cash 1,261,157.72 1,699,893.62

1,261,157.72 1,699,893.62 Current Liabilities

Trade Creditors 19,060.15 5,453.65

Creditors (Manual Post) 135,000.00

154,060.15 5,453.65 Net Current Assets 1,107,097.57 1,694,439.97

Funds Employed As:

Accumulated Reserve

Balance as at 1st Jan 1,694,439.77 2,228,978.05

Surplus/Deficit for the Year (587,342.40) (534,538.28)

Fund Balance at 31st December 1,107,097.37 1,694,439.77

The Future

In 2006 the States of Jersey transferred an additional £1,000,000 to the fund. In 2005 States of Jersey approved the Economic Development Committee s Strategy for Growth and it is hoped that it will be possible to include projects from the private sector in the future. There are many entrepreneurs who would benefit enormously from some seed funding to develop their projects and the Panel believes that the Tourism Development Fund could play a vital role in helping these people. The Panel is also of the belief that the provision of tax incentives for those investing in the industry would be of great benefit and would go a long way to stimulate operators to reinvest in their businesses.

The Panel is reviewing some promising projects and if approved these could make a difference to the Visitor Economy in 2009 and beyond.

For further information visit

www.jersey.com/tdf

Jersey Tourism, Liberation Place, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1BB Tel: +44 (0)1534 448800 Fax: +44 (0)1534 448897

E-mail: info@jersey.com