Tourism campaign whips up a storm in Alderney
A TOURISM campaign designed to market Alderney as a winter destination has whipped up a storm with the island's Chamber of Commerce.
Windswept Alderney is designed to draw tourists over the lean winter months.
But members of the Chamber of Commerce have criticised Visit Alderney for giving the impression of a 'desolate island'.
The bureau has also come under fire for featuring images in the campaign that are not actually of Alderney.
A marketing email entitled Windswept Alderney has been sent to people on a Visit Alderney database who have in the past expressed interest in visiting.
It reads 'Experience Alderney this winter, a unique and inspiring winter break'.
'Wrap up warm and join the seabirds dancing in the wind, or relax and watch the weather roll in from the comfort of an armchair. Feel the warm embrace of our beautifully rugged island in winter, where lights and friendly faces shine brightly amid the wild natural elements.'
It continues: 'Getting here is just the start of your adventure.'
Nigel Lawrence, vice-president of Alderney's Chamber of Commerce, said: 'I don't think this is image of Alderney that we should be trying to portray. It gives the impression of a desolate island. It may appeal to a few walkers, but I feel that we should be trying to promote how much warmer it is in Alderney than even the south coast of the UK. During the past month our temperatures have consistently been 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than Southampton. Maybe "Come to frost-free Alderney" would be a better approach.'
