Could ferry subsidy pave way for better Normandy day-trip options?

Thursday 15 June 2023

Jersey currently has "very little sway" in influencing timetables for Normandy day-trips – but that could change, with a potential subsidy for a French ferry company having been discussed.

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said this week that he had held discussions with Jean Morin, President of the Manche region, regarding the timetables for Manche-Iles Express services to Normandy.

He said Jersey had little ability to influence schedules because the operator was subsidised by French taxpayers and had been set up to serve the needs of those wanting to visit the Channel Islands, but that this may not always be the case.

He said: “Conversations with M. Morin have been conducted in a very good manner and he's very receptive – we know that operators such as Manche-Iles suffered financially during the pandemic due to lack of passengers, so he [M. Morin] is open to the idea that Jersey may help financially in helping deliver that service.”

Deputy Morel said he was also committed to talking to Condor Ferries about increasing the number of options for Islanders wanting to make day-trips to St Malo, although he appreciated that this was difficult as Condor had one fewer boat than prior to the pandemic.

The Economic Development Minister repeated previously-stated ambitions to attract some of the many American visitors to the Normandy beaches to Jersey.

He said: “I have said to Visit Jersey that we do not tap into the Normandy Landings market at all – we get no benefit from what is a huge market and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t attempt this.”