Islanders’ staycation spend could spell survival for tourism

TOURIST businesses might survive only if islanders spend their money with them this summer, Economic Development members have said.

Economic Development Committee tourism lead Deputy Joe Mooney, left, and committee president Deputy Charles Parkinson, are hoping islanders will support the beleaguered tourism industry by booking staycations so it can survive the pandemic. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28330796)

It comes as the States launches a staycation campaign in a bid to get islanders to holiday at home.

Guernsey normally enjoys more than 400,000 visitors each year, of which a quarter come off cruise ships and yachts.

But local self-isolation rules and coronavirus restrictions are likely to see few tourists this summer.

Deputy Parkinson said while the 64,000 population of Guernsey was not going to replace all of the missing visitors, islanders might be enough to allow businesses to survive.

‘I think it is very important we get the industry through this season so they are ready for 2021,’ he said.

‘They are facing a complete catastrophe financially.

‘We have weathered the Covid-19 outbreak so well, we can now look to ensuring they get something out of this year. It may not make anyone rich though.’

He said many islanders had seen their off-island holidays cancelled and it was important now to use that money to help the local economy.

‘This is an opportunity to remind ourselves of what we have on our doorstep,’ he said.

Some tourism businesses have been using the payroll co-funding scheme.

Deputy Parkinson said the support measures were being managed by Policy & Resources, but from his perspective it was important to ensure that businesses were back on their feet, rather than withdrawing all support as soon as they started operating.

‘I’m sure there will need to be some overlap,’ he said.

Fortunately, the payroll scheme has helped businesses keep their staff, so they have been able to reopen again quickly.

Economic Development tourism lead Joe Mooney said the staycation campaign was already going well, with more than 80 businesses signed up to the information hub and more than 9,000 people reached on social media in the first morning.

Deputy Mooney said overall businesses had responded positively to the campaign and now it was down to islanders to get involved.

While not all cruise ships have been cancelled for this year, he was pessimistic that any visits would take place this year.

. Full details of all the hotels, B&Bs, camping, attractions and hospitality opportunities taking part in the staycation campaign can be viewed at club.visitguernsey.com.