Charlie Walker, one of two new co-chairs of the board set up by the States initially as the Tourism Management Board, said that the future of local tourism was looking positive.
She believed the key to securing sustained and fruitful tourism was further investment and believed that the current Committee for Economic Development was showing enthusiasm to do so, leaving her optimistic about the prospects.
‘It feels like the momentum is there,’ she said.
‘Everyone’s positive. We’re coming off the back of a good 2025, and have received positive visitor data from January to March this year, which is just a dire quarter, normally – and the weather was awful too.
‘A lot hangs on this summer. We need to aim for continued growth. We also need to acknowledge and recognise that being on British Airways’ map is huge for Guernsey, and while that may have come with a subsidy – which hasn’t been received very well from the general public – ultimately, that is what these large commercial brands require in order to touch ground here.
‘If there’s other conversations happening with other airlines, then equally, that’s positive. It’s tricky when you’ve got States that are being criticised for every penny that they’re spending. But we won’t get more unless we give more.
‘It’s a fine line finding sensible investments which will provide a return. I certainly get the impression that this ED committee are keen to give that investment and show return, and they recognise that if they don’t – they’re accountable. And it’s under high scrutiny.’
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