Tourism "success" despite fears

Allegations of child abuse and the banking crisis have not been as damaging to Jersey visitor numbers as feared, a tourism leader has said.

Earlier this year the Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) said it was concerned about the effect on holiday bookings.

But JHA president Robert Jones said it had been a "relatively successful tourist season".

Tourism figures for 2008 have not yet been released.

Mr Jones said spiralling oil prices may actually offer an advantage for the island which is a prime short-haul destination.

The island had 729,000 visitors last year, spending an estimated £222m.

Mr Jones said: "I think the figures for this year will be quite positive.

"The ongoing abuse inquiry is horrible and - without wanting to belittle it - I do not think it will have a long-term affect."

He said that investment in hotels and the Waterfront put the island in a good position for the future.

About 100 people have made allegations of abuse at a former island children's home, Haut de la Garenne, between the early 1960s and 1986. (from BBC News)