Jersey puts holiday ads on hold

Jersey had more than 700,000 visitors last year

Jersey Tourism has withdrawn all its newspaper and television advertising following the investigation into abuse at a former children's home.

The organisation agreed to the move to prevent adverts appearing next to news bulletins or stories.

Jersey Tourism said its decision was supported by tourism businesses on the island and would be reviewed weekly.

A specialist military team has been called in to search for human remains at Haut de la Garenne.

Getting the message out is going to be a challenge once this is sorted out Jenny Ellenger of Jersey Tourism

Jenny Ellenger of Jersey Tourism said: "We felt in light of the news stories, which affected the whole of Jersey, that the contrast with holiday advertising was too horrific.

"As soon as it is appropriate we will get back into the market."

She accepted that it was a risky move for an island which had 729,000 visitors last year, spending an estimated £222m.

"Getting the message out is going to be a challenge once this is sorted out," she said.

'Shocked and stunned'

But she added that there had been no drop in bookings since the first stories about the investigation appeared on 23 February.

She said: "The investigation at Haut de la Garenne is a historical one. It was all in the past.

"Jersey is still a stunning and safe place to come to. The hotels are fantastic and the food is great."

She said islanders were "shocked and stunned" by the investigations.

"We are still reeling and can understand what other people are thinking, but it was an historic event and we want to keep that in perspective."