‘Negative criticism of tourist board extremely unnecessary’
ONE leading hotelier staying out of the Guernsey Hospitality Association has given Visit Guernsey and the States’ new Tourism Management Board a big vote of confidence.
Charlie Walker, who runs the Little Big Hotel Group, said that stinging criticism of the States’ current approach to tourism from hoteliers in the Guernsey Hospitality Association was unreasonable, and risked damaging the industry.
‘They could hinder growth – it’s negative and extremely unnecessary,’ said Ms Walker, whose hotels include Les Douvres, Peninsula and Fleur du Jardin.
The GHA has said it cannot work with the Economic Development Committee and is refusing to participate in the new board.
But Ms Walker has applied for a seat on it.
‘It’s an attempt to get the industry to work together to build the tourism strategy.
‘It will include people with broad experience and knowledge of different sectors,’ she said.
‘Why would you not be willing to contribute to a strategy for your own industry? You’ve got to get involved and be positive and steer decision-making.
‘We are stakeholders. This is our industry. Why would we not use every opportunity to be involved in shaping its future?
‘The model may develop over time. This is a starting point. It’s a safe model to start with.’
Ms Walker said she was impressed with Visit Guernsey, which is now led by Mary Putra, the States' director of communications and marketing.
‘I have a lot of belief in Visit Guernsey. It has improved. It is engaging. It’s doing some fantastic work. It’s taking more of a lead from the industry and in return looking for a respectful relationship from the industry to move forward together.
‘Under Mary, Visit Guernsey is willing to listen. They are coming up with new ways of promoting the island and appealing to a new demographic.
‘They get it.’
Little Big is one of very few hotel groups not represented by the GHA. Ms Walker said it had deliberately remained outside of the organisation.
‘We are fairly independent in everything we do. I don’t agree with everything the GHA is communicating. I don’t think they are being particularly fair on some points.
‘Yes, the GHA represents the majority of the sector, but we are confident in our independence and what we are doing.’
Ms Walker said the Tourism Management Board could not be expected to achieve results immediately and should be judged over a three-year period.
