‘We need roadmap so hotels ready’
VISITOR accommodation providers will need at least three months’ notice before reopening, an industry spokesman has said.
The sector has welcomed the extension of States support, but said it would need time to get up to speed if allowed to reopen and has backed calls for an exit from lockdown roadmap, as seen in the UK and Jersey.
Civil Contingencies Authority chairman Deputy Peter Ferbrache has resisted such calls, saying that it would be ‘pointless’ given that a timeline could not be formed with confidence which could lead to false hope
But Charlie Walker, visitor economy head for the Chamber of Commerce, said the sector needed one.
‘Providing a vague roadmap to outline the goalposts for the exit from lockdown and beyond that to include lifting of border restrictions is 100% necessary,’ she said.
‘We cannot continue operating on the basis of mixed messages – whether that be a Jersey air bridge, Bailiwick bubble or Channel Islands “boom” if borders open in time for summer.’
But without at least three months’ notice to prepare, the industry would not be ready for any boom.
She said businesses will need ample time to ensure staffing levels are sufficient and all other aspects are prepared.
‘Based on new processes regarding visas due to Brexit, I would expect to see an additional four to six weeks added to our normal recruitment process,’ she said.
‘As a result – realistically, if the intention is to open borders from, say, June, we would need to know towards the end of March in order to be prepared.’
She acknowledged the difficulties in providing a roadmap with certainty, and Public Health’s direction on when to reopen safely remained the priority.
‘Albeit goalposts will inevitably move over time based on how other jurisdictions have responded to the virus, we support, acknowledge and most importantly trust the directions from Public Health.’
Visitor accommodation providers would not risk further spread of the virus or another lockdown, which would be the worst-case scenario.
‘We, as an industry, are so desperate to offer our services to locals, Bailiwick bubblers and tourists alike – we just need to know how prepared we need to be.’
The extension of financial support for the sector was essential, said Ms Walker.
The visitor accommodation support scheme was due to end in March but with a second lockdown this was extended for another year.
‘Our thanks go out to the States of Guernsey for acting so efficiently in order to provide the security that the sector was so desperately seeking,’ she said.
She said that a number of businesses in the sector will still miss out on this additional support, which will be required if there is another summer without visitors.
. As of yesterday, Guernsey had 18 (known) active cases of Covid-19 with two new cases over the weekend, one from an unknown community source. Jersey had 19 and the Isle of Man 48. All businesses there remain open, despite two cases from unknown sources.
