And the PPP for Tourism?........Having brought a PPP for Tourism back onto the agenda earlier this year, Senator Maclean, in his address to the States, said that he wanted to move Jersey Tourism into a new structure called "Visit Jersey". He said that this entity would be operated in the same way as Business Jersey, a merger of the Jersey Business Venture and Jersey Enterprise, and would sit outside government with a private sector board and would be grant funded. The Minister believes that EDD should concentrate on policy, strategy, and overseeing regulation and it should not be trying to micro manage the economy.

As you know, the JHA first recommended a PPP for Tourism in September 2005 so as you can imagine we are monitoring carefully the statement made by the newly re-instated Economic Development Minister who has expressed a determination to press ahead with a Tourism Board.  Senator Maclean has identified the creation of the board as a high priority for the New Year and has confirmed that work on the project is already underway.

He said "The idea is to create a body that will sit outside of government with a board and will be used to promote the island. "I'm very keen to progress that as soon as possible in the New Year so it can begin to influence the way the island is promoted in the future".

As far as the PPP for Tourism is concerned we have asked to see a draft copy of the report and financial plan that is in place for its delivery and the timeline envisaged.

Other priorities outlined by the Minister included stabilising the economy, maintaining skills and training programmes and promoting inward investment ....And will there be someone with the special portfolio for tourism? During the election process the ED Minister was asked to consider giving one of his two assistant ministers dedicated responsibility for tourism - something he promised to think about.