'It's better to think slowly and act quickly' TMB is told

Yesterday she hosted the board’s first open discussion forum with dozens of representatives from across the sector.

Leaders of businesses providing accommodation, transport, events and visitor attractions were informed of the board’s work since it was formed, and shared ideas about how to develop tourism across the Bailiwick.

‘We want to be collaborative and we want to be transparent,’ Mrs Beacom told the industry.

‘We’ve got an idea of the direction in which we want to move, but we needed industry’s views on what we have thought about so far.

‘There was no finger-pointing in the room today.

‘It was very positive and very dynamic. There seems to be real energy to work together.’

The board presented draft principles for consultation. These included improving skills and the use of technology in the tourism industry, increasing the amount spent by visitors, and improving their experience while in the island.

Industry representatives were asked which additional data they would like to see published, what was limiting the growth of their businesses and how the Bailiwick should be promoted to visitors.

Andy Coleman, managing director of La Barbarie Hotel, had expressed scepticism about the set up of the board, but he said he attended yesterday’s meeting with an open mind.

‘I wanted to see what was being presented. It’s a very broad subject, but it’s important that these discussions are being held,’ said Mr Coleman.

‘It’s positive that people across the industry want to talk about its future.

‘But I’ve been to many meetings over the years which have proved to be talking shops, so the proof will be in the pudding.

‘There are positives. What happens next is the most important thing.

‘They have said they will report back to the industry, so we will see what comes of that.’

Mr Coleman said participants had agreed about the importance of transport links to and from the island.

‘Everybody in the meeting came back to connectivity and getting here. It all comes back to that,’ he said.

The Economic Development Committee, which set up the new board in response to an independent report recommending a new approach to promoting the island as a visitor destination, is due to submit proposals about the future length of the runway in the next few months.

Keith Beecham, the author of the independent report, said yesterday that differences of opinion about how tourism should be run were quite normal.

‘That is certainly not unique to Guernsey,’ he said, pointing to a current restructuring of tourism in England.

Mr Beecham encouraged the industry to concentrate on quality.

‘What we know is that visitors very much like their experience of the islands. What we want to encourage is the greatest possible focus on quality. It’s important to look at the quality of the offer and to develop quality.

‘I spent 15 years working in Japan. I learned that it’s better to think slowly and act quickly, rather than think quickly and act slowly. I learned that if you consult and listen, it may take a bit longer, but the delivery is likely to be better.’

The board meets monthly. It is likely to arrange a similar session with the industry in the autumn.