Visitor pull of package holidays

Travel writer encourages fixed-price holidays

Proposals for developing tourism in the Island over the next four years are a solid base for growth - but need to address the cost of taking a holiday here. 

That view from UK freelance travel writer Helen Pickles, who's studied the government's new Destination Management Plan.

Although the number of leisure visitors has risen in recent years, there's been a decline in those visiting friends and family and on business trips.

The strategy says overall numbers could stagnate by 2020 unless new groups are targeted.

In recent years, the focus has been on promoting niche holidays.

Helen says if the Island wants to attract families and young people on short breaks, fixed-price packages could be the answer: