Trustee Swen Lorenz moved to the island in 2017 and went into partnership with Seigneur Christopher Beaumont to form the Sark Property Company. He writes an online investment blog, with about 12,000 readers worldwide, and said many of them had expressed a keen interest in visiting the island.
Instead of individual trips, he decided to throw one big, luxury weekend for 50 paying guests – each contributing £100 to the trust. Travellers came from the US, Canada, Thailand, Malaysia, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, UAE, Czech Republic, Malta and Italy – most for the first time.
‘They were completely blown away by Sark’s natural beauty, how unique it is and its history,’ said Mr Lorenz, who teamed up with Sark’s hereditary head of state to organise the three-day trip.
Among chocolate-making workshops, archery competitions, clay-pigeon shooting and boat tours, guests were taken on a guided tour of the Seigneurie gardens and Mr Beaumont’s ancestral estate.
‘It was wonderful to see so many visitors who were new to Sark,’ said Mr Beaumont.
‘There’s no reason we can’t hold more conferences like this in October or November. The beauty of the island doesn’t disappear. It may encourage businesses to stay open a bit longer.’
Mr Lorenz said the purpose of the past weekend was not to seek investors. It was about building personal relationships with interesting people, showcasing the island and raising funds for the trust. He said it has raised nearly £10,000, which will go towards a new, much-needed irrigation system for the gardens.
The visitors stayed at various hotels and were reportedly impressed with lavish dinners at local restaurants.
‘I’m very inspired to do it again,’ said Mr Lorenz.
‘Everyone had an amazing time and particularly commented on the quality of the food.
‘The Channel Islands are a gem that exists a little off the radar. When you take people here, you open their eyes to a world they didn’t know. It has become my home, and I just want to help it thrive.
‘We spent in the tens of thousands on local providers at the very end of the season when many Sark tourism providers don’t necessarily have many bookings.
‘We decided to go high-end with this trip and at Hathaway’s restaurant, they had the highest spend of any group the current operators ever had.
‘All the people I worked with were extremely organised and efficient, which made it easier for me as a host.’
Both Mr Lorenz and Mr Beaumont said they did not let an anti-social sign, opposing all visitors, spoil the event.
The handwritten message hung briefly at the ferry terminal as the guests were leaving on Sunday morning, before being taken down. Whoever put it up has not been identified.
‘It was just stupid, ill-thought-through and false,’ said Mr Beaumont.
‘If they think having tourists is a bad thing for a tourist destination, then good luck to them. Small-minded people.’
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