Respected travel writer to speak at Hospitality Association’s 60th anniversary

Thursday 05 October 2017

One of Britain’s most influential and best-known travel journalists has been announced as the keynote speaker of a gala dinner celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Jersey Hospitality Association.

Simon Calder is Senior Travel Editor for The Independent and also writes for the Evening Standard, the i newspaper, Waitrose Weekend and BA’s inflight magazine.

A regular and trusted media commentator, Mr Calder will be sharing his views on the future of tourism at the event where members and supporters of the Jersey Hospitality Association will celebrate its 60^th anniversary. It takes place at the St Brelade's Bay Hotel on 24 November.

Fiona Kerley, President of the Jersey Hospitality Association, said: “The expectations of visitors may have fundamentally changed over the last 60 years but fortunately so have our members, and we remain an important industry. We have been through many highs and lows over the years but I’m pleased to say that visitor numbers are on the increase and there is a renewed optimism within hospitality.

“We’re delighted that Simon will be joining us to mark our 60th anniversary. He combines global insight with deep knowledge of the specific challenges that we face. While this will undoubtedly be a happy occasion, we also want to use this celebration as rallying call for our industry and a springboard for future success.”

Simon Calder said: “I first visited the Channel Islands in 1962, and have returned to Jersey many times since. So, I have seen the Island’s appeal to visitors transform over the decades. Jersey’s enticements have become ever more diverse, adventurous and sophisticated — though in today’s hyper-competitive travel market, the need to invest in the future has never been more essential. While celebrating the achievements of members of the JHA over the past six decades, I will also look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the next 60 years.”

Mr Calder is a regular guest on national TV, often seen on BBC Breakfast News, Good Morning Britain, ITV News, CNN and Sky News. Once a month, Simon presents the Global Guru section of The Travel Show (BBC Worldwide and BBC2) where he answers viewers travel questions and queries.