Guernsey Press

Sark Estate Management to shut all its hotels in 2015

SARK'S economy is in 'serious trouble' and the closure of major hotels and businesses in the island will have a major impact on the island's future, it has been warned.

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Sark Island Hotels, a subsidiary of Sark Estate Management, owned by Sir Frederick and Sir David Barclay, has announced that it will not open any of its hotels or hospitality businesses in 2015 – leading to the loss of around 170 beds in the island's tourist offering.

Many islanders have reacted angrily to the announcement, fearing the closures not only pose a threat to the island's tourism industry but also to other areas of the economy such as utility companies, shipping and builders.

There are also concerns that some ticket holders for the Sark Folk Festival – the biggest tourist event on the island's calendar – will be left without accommodation. Organisers are now busy looking at what options are available.

Tony Le Lievre, of Sark First, a group campaigning to change the election process, warned there would be huge ramifications on Sark's already struggling economy.

'Sark's economy is ailing. It is in serious trouble,' he said.

'That is why there is serious concern, across groups, about what is going on and that there is no department within the Sark government (Chief Pleas) that has responsibility for the economy.'

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