The idea, discussed by a recent meeting of the Jersey Tourism Board, is intended to promote tourism in the Island as well as encourage more visitors.
The scheme has been proposed by St Ouen resident Mike Le Brocq, who believes it is important to get Islanders behind the tourism industry and have a role in promoting Jersey.
The ‘Friends’, who will be unpaid members of the public, will act as ambassadors and will probably wear a badge, identifying them as people who can help tourists by giving directions or local advice.
When travelling out of the Island they will carry ‘ambassador packs’ containing basic information about Jersey – for example Liberation Day, the Zoo, the Battle of Flowers, the Air Display – with the Jersey Tourism website details.
These can be distributed to friends, relations and people they meet on business or on holiday.
‘The idea is to counter the old myth that the tourist is a pest and to get people promoting Jersey,’ said Mr Le Brocq.
