 Coach firms say costs may be passed on to passengers |
Coaches and hire cars will be charged to park at Jersey's airport, despite objections from the tourism industry. At a meeting of the Harbours and Airport Committee on Wednesday, tourism representatives argued the companies would just pass the cost on to customers, putting people off visiting the island.
But committee president Senator Len Norman said he did not accept that argument.
He says the cost per customer would be very low and the total money raised from charging for parking outside the arrivals hall would go a long way towards helping to fund the airport.
 |  We are advised by the airlines, their passengers and indeed those with an interest in the matter, that by doing that we will encourage more tourists  |
He also announced a cut in passenger landing fees from the current average of �17.50. He said: "From 1 January, that will reduce to an average of �15.
"If the States accept the proposition regarding the security charge being met from general revenues, then we could be looking at yet another �2.50 reduction - which has got to be good news for everyone involved in the tourist industry."
He said of the concerns of potential passengers being driven away: "To be honest, we weren't persuaded by that argument whatsoever.
"The intention of the Harbours and Airport Committee, and indeed the commitment of the committee, is to reduce dues as far as we possibly can.
"We are advised by the airlines, their passengers and indeed those with an interest in the matter, that by doing that we will encourage more tourists, which will be of benefit to everybody in the island, but particularly those with a direct interest in the tourism industry."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
