'Positives' for tourism despite Iran war uncertainty

A "good start to the year" has been put at risk by "price increases and a massive amount of uncertainty" since the outbreak of the Iran war, Jersey tourism bosses have said.

Cost-of-living pressures have resulted from disruptions to shipments of oil and gas through the critical Strait of Hormuz since the war began on 28 February.

The Jersey Hospitality Association said the situation had had "significant impacts" for the sector, while Seymour Hotels said fuel surcharges on food and drink deliveries had increased significantly in recent days.

But despite the prospect of rising costs, both agreed that Jersey could benefit from uneasiness about long-haul travel.

Marcus Calvani, from the Jersey Hospitality Association, said the opening months of the year had all been more profitable than the corresponding months in 2025.

But he said the rise in geo-political tensions had "understandably caused significant impacts", and this had resulted in a mixed picture for the industry.

"There's confidence, consumer confidence, price increases and a massive amount of uncertainty," he said.

"At the moment, things are still looking good - [but] probably not as good as we would have hoped them to have been, understandably."

Recent reports have suggested that British holidaymakers are looking for "reassuring alternatives to avoid travel through the Middle East".

"Is Jersey a good place to capture people for a safe, short break who would've otherwise been going elsewhere? Absolutely," he said.

"So we've got to look at the positives and act on them as well."

Matt Seymour, the managing director of Seymour Hotels, said he expected his costs to continue rising.

"We've already been given notice by suppliers and partners to expect some price increases," he said.

"A local food and beverage supplier has recently explained to us that they have been notified of fuel surcharges on delivery to the island, and we can expect that will get passed onto us."

However, Seymour agreed with Calvani that the global situation also presented an opportunity.

He said: "The cost of flights is going to prove problematic for those who want to travel long distance...

"How much advantage Jersey can take from that is to be seen, so we'll have to keep an eye on that."

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